Although pesticides are effective for controlling pests, there are dangers behind using these chemicals on humans. Health problems caused by exposure to pesticides can range from reproductive disorders to cancer.
Besides being used in rice fields or fields to eradicate agricultural pests, pesticides are also present in a number of household products, such as poisons used to kill rats, cockroaches, mosquitoes, or pet fleas.
You can be exposed to pesticides in three ways, namely direct contact of pesticides on the skin or if you breathe air and eat food contaminated with these substances.
Pesticide Danger bfor Health
Pesticides that enter the body can damage cells and interfere with organ function. If it occurs continuously, pesticide exposure has the risk of causing several health problems for humans, such as:
1. Reproductive disorders
Pesticides can cause reproductive problems, both in men and women. In men, pesticides can cause hormonal disturbances which can then lead to decreased sperm production.
Meanwhile, women who are often exposed to pesticides are at risk of having fertility problems and giving birth prematurely.
2. Disorders of pregnancy and fetal development
Pesticides contain chemicals that can damage the nervous system. Therefore, pregnant women are advised to avoid exposure to pesticides, especially in the first trimester of pregnancy.
Because, in the first 3 months of pregnancy, the nervous system of the fetus is developing rapidly. If pregnant women are exposed to pesticides at this time, the risk of pregnancy complications, defects in the fetus, and miscarriage can increase.
3. Parkinson's disease
Research shows that pesticides are thought to be able to increase a person's risk of developing Parkinson's disease, especially when exposure is high and lasts for a long time. This is caused by toxins in pesticides that can damage the body's nerves.
4. Early puberty
This is also another pesticide hazard. Chemicals in pesticides are thought to increase the production of the hormone testosterone, which can cause early puberty in boys.
5. Cancer
There have been many studies linking long-term pesticide exposure to cancers, such as kidney, skin, brain, lymphoma, breast, prostate, liver, lung, and leukemia cancers. Agricultural workers are the most vulnerable to this risk.
How to Remove and Clean Pesticides
To avoid the dangers of pesticides to health, you can do several ways, such as:
- Washing vegetables and fruit using a solution baking soda until it's clean
- Avoid direct exposure to pesticides
- Use personal protection, such as masks and gloves, when using pesticides
If you still have questions about the dangers of pesticides and how best to avoid them, or if you think you have a health problem after being exposed to pesticides, don't hesitate to consult a doctor.
