Pesticide effects still undetermined
by Kristina Tiesing, posted Sept. 29, 2008
The worldwide consumption of pesticides has reached 2.6 million metric tons; 85 percent is being used in agriculture according to the Science Direct Web site. With the possible health risks posed to the farmer, environment and surrounding community members, this number may be cause for concern. The argument can be made that the chemicals used are harsh and dangerous. However, it can also be said that they can be utilized in a safe and efficient manner.
“Most pesticides are considered to be carcinogens,” said Keith Goyne, MU environmental professor. “The only way to prove this would be to test on animals, injecting the chemical to determine whether cancer forms.”
This creates problems when considering the safety of the neighboring rural communities to farms.
“Especially in rural areas, it becomes an issue if a pesticide contaminates the groundwater,” Goyne said. “Most rural areas use well water that goes through no additional treatment.”
If these possibly carcinogen-carrying pesticides run into the water supply, what could be the result?
Another chemical used in insecticides that has caused worry is DDT (Dichloro-Diphenyl-Trichloroethane). Many cases have been reported documenting the extreme effects of this toxic chemical.
“In a lake in Florida, it was reported that alligators had problems with feminization (males developing female reproductive organs) after being exposed to DDT in the water,” Goyne said.
However, the use of DDT has been severely restricted and even banned in some states. But there is evidence of possible illegal use of the chemical still being used. Traces of it have been found in soil and groundwater.
Feminization was also seen in Missouri frogs after coming in contact with a chemical in herbicides called atrazine, Goyne said.
Farmers continue to use insecticides and herbicides to fulfill supply and demand. These products allow farmers to cover more acres to feed the ever-growing population. Also, these chemicals contribute to the visual appeal of the consumer. Organically grown crops may have tiny bite marks or discolorations and look less appealing compared to the chemically sprayed, “perfect condition” alternative.
Farmers will argue that when used correctly and safely, insecticides and herbicides can be effective and efficient.
“Bigger farms will have top of the line equipment to protect against drift,” said Ben Hockemeier, a Missouri farmer. “This will prevent the possibility of the chemicals running into streams or neighboring lands.”
Farmers are concerned with the protection of owned land and neighboring lands. Quality products and machinery are used to ensure capable farming.
“It is possible with smaller farms to get some chemical drift, however, small farms only make up about five percent of U.S. farms,” Hockemeier said. “This drift is, at the most, maybe a quarter mile.”
DDT was banned after it was said that the chemical caused eagles that came in contact with it to produce soft-shelled eggs and that it was having harsh effects on humans.
“DDT has been banned and it will stay that way. However, research after the ban has shown that the effects have been proven false. It is not as bad as every one took it out to be,” Hockemeier said. “Either way it won’t ever be used again.”
Farmers are using different insecticides and taking caution with how they use them. Workers are confident in the products used and see no cause for concern.
“The farmer who sprays our insecticide will eat his lunch right after without even washing his hands; he has seen no problems,” Hockemeier said. “You can eat corn right off the stalk within 24 hours of it being sprayed.”
