Pesticides are one of the volatile organic compounds found in the environment. Volatile organic compounds are rapidly evaporating chemicals that man creates.
Other volatile organic compounds include gasoline, kerosene, thinners used in paints, insecticides, and even arsenic. Pesticides are commonly used to kill or control pests.
A pesticide is chemically designed to kill pests, though not to a specific species, but is toxic enough to kill a human being.
Pesticides are formulated to be Active or Inert. Active pesticide ingredients are chemical ingredients that directly kill pests, and inert pesticide ingredients aren’t thoroughly tested, unlike active pesticides.
Inert pesticides are seldom labeled on the product ingredients since they have no direct use to kill pests, such as solvents.
Pesticides have few specific uses, and according to the World Health Organization, an estimated 3 million cases of pesticide poisoning are reported each year.
What are the different types of Pesticides, and how can they affect us?
According to the Department of Health, different types of pesticides are commonly used nowadays. These common pesticides are grouped according to their use:
- Insecticides
- Herbicides
- Rodenticides
- Bactericides
- Fungicides
- Larvicides
Insecticides are chemically designed to kill insects like mosquitoes, cockroaches, and ants. Insecticides are manufactured in different forms; the most common type used today is aerosol sprays. Herbicides are pesticides used in plants.The technique involves planting herbicides alongside the plants. However, this technique is now contraindicated since edible plants like fruits and vegetables are involved. When consumed in large amounts, herbicides can lead to toxicity and sometimes death.
According to the Department of Health, the safest way to apply herbicides is to spray them on plants. Rodenticides are chemically produced to control and kill rodents such as rats and mice.
The most common form of rodenticides is pastes and grains. Bactericides are a group of pesticides that are used to kill bacteria.
Bacteria are most commonly found in water. Bactericides inhibit bacterial growth, which can cause diseases.
Fungicides are another group of pesticides that are used to control fungi. Fungicides are also used to treat skin problems that are caused by fungi as well.
Lastly, larvicides kill larvae of insects and rodents to prevent them from maturing and causing infestation, whether by a disease that can lead to death.
Pesticides help control pests but can also be lethal to human health.
When exposed, pesticides can cause memory loss, decreased response to stimulus, mood swings, altered recognition, and can cause reduced motor skills.
The causes of these symptoms are long exposure to active chemical ingredients used in pesticides.
Namely, some of these chemical ingredients are Acephate, Bifenthrin, Boric Acid, Bromadiolone, Capsaicin, Carbaryl, Chlordane, Oil of Citronella, Copper Sulphate, Hexaflumuron, Hydropene, Iron Phosphate, Malathion, Naphthalene, Neem Oil, Piperonyl Butoxide, Potassium Salts, Triclopyr, Zinc Phosphate, and Zinc Sulfate.
A few of these chemicals are also used in the pharmaceutical industry to make therapeutic drugs. When taken in greater than a trace amount, these chemicals can cause certain disorders, such as allergies, asthma, and hypersensitivity.
Pesticides have been linked to the growth of cancer cells, hormonal disturbances, and reproductive and fetal development.
There are certain pesticides as well that have little to no effect on human health when used. Such chemicals are:
- Organic Pyrethrin
- Organochlorine Pesticides
- Synthetic Pyrethroids
- Organophosphorus insecticides
- Carbamate Insecticides
These chemicals are less toxic than the active ingredients most commonly used in commercial insecticides. Organic pyrethrin, derived from the chrysanthemum flower, kills many pests.
The good thing about using organic pyrethrin is that it is biodegradable and leaves almost no residue, making it environmentally friendly. The Department of Health recommends it.
Conversely, synthetic pyrethroids are artificial pesticides that are low in toxicity to humans and can effectively kill various pests.
Pesticides like organochlorine, organophosphorus, and carbamate have been discontinued due to the serious effects they cause on the environment, and they can remain active for years.
Where can we find pesticides, and how can we prevent toxicity?
Pesticides are present anywhere in the environment. Pesticides are also one of the common causes of pollution.
Pesticides mainly cause air pollution, which thins the ozone layer. They also cause water pollution, which can be very dangerous to our health, especially when mixed with our drinking water.
Pesticides are most commonly used at home to control pests. However, these rapidly evaporating chemicals can sometimes contaminate drinking water. They can seep through the soil and reach broken or cracked water lines.
Though filtered and purified, water can still be contaminated at home. Due to that fact, it has been reported that death by pesticide poisoning usually happens at home. Knowing that the assurance of safety at home is now doubtful.
There are certain ways to prevent pesticide poisoning. One way is to ensure the pesticide containers are tightly closed and spillproof.
Fixing broken or cracked water lines can prevent pesticides from leaking and ensure that the family drinks water without any chemicals.
Good news! There is a way to ensure that these chemicals and other disease-causing microorganisms are removed from drinking water!
You can now filter and purify drinking water to its purest state in the safety of your home.
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