Pesticides can have harmful effects on pets and humans due to their toxicity. In developing countries, pesticide poisoning cases are more prevalent due to weak regulatory systems and overuse. Organic agriculture prohibits synthetic pesticides, but natural pesticides can still harm beneficial organisms like bees.
In general, a pesticide is a chemical or biological agent that deters, incapacitates, kills, or otherwise discourages pests. Pesticides can target various pests like insects, plant pathogens, weeds, and more. Although pesticides are useful, they also have drawbacks, such as potential toxicity to humans and other species. Exposure to pesticides can have harmful effects on pets, causing acute and long-term health problems. Workers in industries that handle pesticides are also at risk for exposure and illness.
One major concern is the uneven distribution of pesticide poisoning cases. Developing countries, where regulatory systems are weak, experience most of the poisoning cases. Farmers in these countries often overuse pesticides due to lack of understanding and fear of smaller harvests. Additionally, pesticides banned in industrialized countries are still used widely in developing countries. Prolonged exposure to pesticides has been associated with several chronic and acute health effects, including lymphoma, leukemia, cardiopulmonary disorders, neurological symptoms, and skin diseases.
It is essential to consider the negative effects of pesticides on the environment as well. Organic agriculture prohibits the use of most synthetic pesticides, but naturally derived pesticides can also be toxic to beneficial organisms like bees and natural pest predators. Therefore, it is important to research whether naturally derived pesticides have been used on organic food products and their potential negative effects on the environment.