People all over the world are exposed to toxic pesticides every day, supposedly to protect crops. But can we really poison our way to prosperity?
Some of you may remember the days when DDT was sprayed freely in the streets of America. While it was very effective at reducing the mosquito population and mosquito-born illnesses, it also had harmful effects on the environment and human health. We’ve stopped spraying toxic pesticides so frequently in the United States, but in many places in the world the toxic fog still looms…
An Everyday Poison
In much of Central America, pesticides are a part of daily life. Maryam Henein, an investigative journalist and permaculture student, shares her first-hand experience on the liberal pesticide use in Central America.
We arrived at the Las Manos Border between Honduras and Nicaragua at nightfall. Our 24-person permaculture group had already been sitting in a van for nearly 24 hours, cruising the Pan-American Highway — the world’s longest “motorable road” — from Lake Atitlan, Guatemala across three countries.
As we slowed to a stop behind a lengthy row of cars, we spotted a man with a handkerchief over his face and very little else for protective gear. He was hunched forward, holding a metal hose in order to spray the lower parts of each passing vehicle.
Poisonous Gases Fumigation Area, was written in Spanish on a looming billboard.
Why wasn’t the man wearing proper safety equipment like an oxygen mask, overalls, boots, and gloves? What were they spraying on the vehicles, specifically the wheels? Did insects really hitch rides on tires? If so, which ones?
As someone who suffers from an autoimmune condition, I’m extremely sensitive to chemicals. This site freaked me out; it all seemed dangerous and foolish.
A Delicate Balance
So many of the pesticides are used in the name of protecting crops, but at what cost? Not only can they be harmful to human health, but they can also throw whole ecosystems out of balance. We’re only beginning to understand how the plants, animals, fungi, minerals, and weather systems on this planet interact. Trying to eradicate certain “pests” can be like snipping threads in a tapestry. We don’t know how many we can snip before the whole thing unravels.
Watch this video by HuwsNursery on how to make a simple organic insecticide spray:
Pesticides are all effective against the pests they are expected to control, but they are poisonous which made them dangerous to humans, animals, other living organisms, and the environment. Thus, people who use or consistently come in contact with pesticides must completely understand the level of toxicity, harmful health effects, and preventive measures to lessen exposure. Understanding the label and applying safety first habits will help minimize risks from using pesticides.
What do you think about Maryam’s experience? What can be done to reduce the use of toxic chemicals? Let was know in the comments.
Want to know what natural treatment works for Poison Ivy? Check out these Natural Poison Ivy Treatments That Work.
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Featured Image Via Honey Colony
