Some facts and figures

In today's modern society, it is common to use chemical pesticides to control insect pests. In fact, their use throughout the world has increased by 50% over the last 30 years, and 2.5 million tons of commercial pesticides are now applied annually. They are aggressively promoted by large companies and government groups making up a more than $35 billion a year industry. All is hunky dory, right? Guess again!

 

Site made by Jamie Haywood

         Why Say No

There are over 7000 toxic chemicals used in pesticide products. Pesticides can be linked to behaviour abnormalities , cancers , infertility asthma attacks, skin rashes as well as chronic disorders like emphysema .A survey of baby foods in 2000 showed detectable pesticide residues in nearly 50% of foods sampled. 14% of foods tested showed residues of more than one pesticide at levels 30x the proposed limit of 0.01mg per kilogram. Is this the start in life we want for our children. The European Union disclosed that pesticides/herbicides most commonly found in foods lower the sperm count in men and cause girls to enter the stage of puberty very early. They pose a great threat to pregnant women as exposure can lead to behaviour disorders in the fetus. Pesticides and herbicides weaken the immune system and the brain.Pesticides greatly impact biodiversity Systemic insecticides which poison pollen and nectar in the flowers of plants have the potential to kill bees ‘ an essential part of the growing cycle. Insects have become resistant to pesticides causing farmers to use more spray than necessary. Animals may be poisoned by pesticide residues that remain on food after spraying, for example when wild animals enter sprayed fields or nearby areas shortly after spraying. It is estimated that only 80% of ground applied pesticides reach their targeted areas; the rest ends up in the air, water, or ground that it wasn’t intended for. Pesticide dust in the air can travel miles to pollute an area far from where it was used. Studies by the UK government showed that pesticide concentrations exceeded those allowable for drinking water in some samples of river water and groundwater. Many of the chemicals used in pesticides are persistent soil contaminants , whose impact may endure for decades and adversely affect soil conservation. Organocholrine insecticides include chemical such as DDT, methoxychlor, heptachlor, chlordane, toxaphene, aldrin, endrin, dieldrin, and lindane. Most of these insecticides are neurotoxins. Organophosphates disrupt neurotransmitters, particularly acetylcholine, which plays an important role in sustaining attention and short-term memory.