Article:
California, known popularly as The Golden State, has decided to enforce a ban on the prolific use of a pesticide, Chlorpyrifos. This move comes in the wake of numerous research studies highlighting the serious health implications, including brain and neurological damage, caused by this chemical in children. It is primarily used on various crops such as almonds, citrus, cotton, grapes, and walnuts.
The Status of Pesticide Ban in India
India has also been taking steps towards curbing the use of harmful pesticides. Owing to the escalating incidents of farmer deaths due to pesticide poisoning and submission of the Anupam Verma Committee report, the Union Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare has enforced the Pesticides (Prohibition) Order, 2018 which bans the use of 18 pesticides. From these 18, 12 pesticides have been banned with immediate effect(from August 9, 2018), whereas restriction on the remaining six will be implemented from December 31, 2020. This prohibition pertains to all aspects – registration, import, manufacture, formulation, transport, sale, and usage of these pesticides.
Why Class 1 Pesticide Should Be Banned in India?
Class 1 pesticides necessitate the use of personal protective equipment during application and handling. These gears might not be widely accessible or are expensive, and can be uncomfortable to wear, especially in hot climates. It proves to be quite challenging for small-scale farmers and farm workers in India to consistently use this equipment. The reality is that approximately 10,000 cases of pesticide poisoning are reported annually in India due to lack of awareness and the absence of governmental initiative to educate on the appropriate use of pesticides. The unapproved usage of pesticides, such as using a certain pesticide on a crop for which it is not permitted, continues to be a pressing issue in India.
| Pesticide | Ban Status | Effective From |
|---|---|---|
| Pesticide 1 | Banned | August 9, 2018 |
| Pesticide 2 | To be Banned | December 31, 2020 |
| Pesticide 3 | Banned | August 9, 2018 |
The Impact of Pesticides on Human Health
Pesticides can have profound effects on human health, ranging from acute toxicity to long-term implications. Some pesticides act as endocrine disruptors, interfering with hormone balance which regulates vital bodily functions such as growth and reproductive abilities. These impacts can present as several types of cancers, pregnancy complications, fertility issues, early puberty, diabetes, obesity, neurological disorders, thyroid problems among others.
Pesticides can be acutely toxic, causing immediate harmful effects even after a single exposure through ingestion, inhalation, or skin contact. Symptoms can include respiratory tract irritation, allergic sensitization, nausea, vomiting, seizures, or even death.
Long-term or chronic toxicity from pesticides can result from continuous or repeated exposure at low levels. While these small doses may not cause instant effects, they can lead to severe illnesses over time. Chronic pesticide exposure has been linked to Parkinson’s disease, asthma, depression, anxiety, multiple types of cancers, and attention deficit and hyperactivity disorder (ADHD).