Chemicals like pesticides, herbicides, and fungicides are widely used in modern agriculture to boost crop yields and control pests. These chemicals play an important part in farming. According to Statista, global pesticide consumption will rise to 4.41 million metric tons in 2027. Similarly, herbicide consumption could reach 2.4 million metric tons by 2027. However, their long-term health impact on humans is a matter of concern. Hence, it’s vital to assess the potential impact of agricultural chemicals on chronic health conditions. In this article, we will look at some of the widely used agricultural chemicals and the chronic health issues linked to them.
Overview of Agricultural Chemicals
Agricultural chemicals help us grow crops by controlling pests and weeds and preventing plant diseases. These chemicals are categorized into different types based on their purpose. The first in this list of agricultural chemical types is pesticide. As the name suggests, pesticides are used to kill or control pests that usually damage crops. Under this category, you will find three different types of pesticides such as insecticides, rodenticides, and nematicides.
The role of an insecticide is to fight and control insects. Similarly, rodenticides and nematicides help in controlling rodents and dealing with parasite worms such as roundworms and threadworms respectively. Another key category is herbicides, that are ideally used to target and kill unwanted weeds that interfere with crops for nutrients and sunlight. Glyphosate, which is an all-purpose herbicide, is considered one of the most commonly used herbicides.
Now, let us move on to the last category which is fungicides. These chemicals are used to prevent or treat fungal infections that could harm your plants and affect crop yields. You will often find farmers using chlorothalonil, which is a fungicide that helps in controlling various fungal diseases. Most of these chemicals end up in the environment during farming practices and stay intact in soil and water. This way we could get exposed to these chemicals via water sources, food residues, or direct contact. Eventually, they enter our bodies which could further lead to serious health concerns.
Chronic Health Conditions Linked to Agricultural Chemicals
Respiratory Issues
Certain agricultural chemicals like pesticides and herbicides have been associated with respiratory conditions like chronic bronchitis and asthma. For example, a chemical like organophosphates can suppress acetylcholinesterase (an enzyme that is vital to the nervous system). This could lead to muscle paralysis, including respiratory muscles.
Studies have shown that children exposed to pesticides have a higher risk of developing chronic respiratory diseases, particularly asthma, respiratory tract infections, etc. By inhaling these chemicals or getting into skin contact, they can irritate your respiratory tract and cause long-term inflammation and respiratory issues.
Neurological Disorders
According to a BBC report, agricultural chemicals like pesticides can also cause neurological problems, like attention deficit hyperactivity disorder and Parkinson’s disease. Long-term exposure to these pesticides and certain herbicides can affect your brain function and lead to neurodegenerative diseases.
You might experience symptoms like uncontrollable shaking, memory loss, and problems with motor coordination after exposure to these agricultural chemicals. Another notable agricultural chemical that has been in the news for chronic health problems is Paraquat. TorHoerman Law states that Paraquat is one of the most commonly used herbicides in the country. Continuous exposure to Paraquat dichloride may cause Parkinson’s disease and other health problems.
This occurrence has led to various victims taking serious legal action against the manufacturers. Many individuals have filed a Paraquat lawsuit to seek compensation for their health issues related to this chemical. This lawsuit is filed by plaintiffs against the Paraquat manufacturers who claim to have developed Parkinson’s disease due to Paraquat exposure.
Impacts on Communities and Mitigation Strategies
Effects on Rural Communities
Most of the rural communities especially those who are into farming are more susceptible to health issues related to agricultural chemical exposure. People in these areas often report issues related to chronic health problems such as respiratory issues, neurological disorders, and cancers.
These issues are particularly linked to the constant application of pesticides and herbicides in farming practices. Moreover, these health issues get worse due to a lack of healthcare resources and professionals in rural areas. Studies indicate that 65.6% of Primary Care Health Professional Shortage Areas (HPSAs) were situated in rural areas as of September 2022. This stat highlights the lack of health professionals available in rural areas of the US and hence the added problems.
Preventive Measures and Solutions
Personal protective equipment (PPE), such as masks and gloves could come in handy as a primary preventive measure option. By making use of this equipment, you can protect yourself from direct exposure during chemical application.
The other safer alternative that you can take is to adopt organic farming practices. The best part about organic farming practices is that you don’t have to use harmful chemicals for farming purposes. In a nutshell, agricultural chemicals pose serious health risks even though they’re essential to modern agriculture. Hence, It’s important to be aware of these risks and take proactive measures to mitigate them.
Additionally, let us advocate for safer agricultural practices, like personal protective equipment, switching to organic farming, etc. By supporting these efforts and staying informed, we can make the environment healthier and safer for everyone. Together, we can make meaningful changes and build a future where agriculture and health go hand in hand.
