Do Pesticides
affect human health?
Pesticides can affect humans. How a pesticide
affects human health depends on:
· type of pesticide
· and the variable toxicity
· Plus the rate and
intensity of reaction when it comes into contact with the body.
However, in many cases, the amount of pesticide
that people are likely to be exposed is too small.
How do Pesticides
enter the human body?
Pesticides can enter the human body by common
accidents. This is done either through
· Inhalation
· Ingestion
· Absorption through skin
How do pesticides harm human health?
· Some pesticides affect the body at the point of contact. These are called "local" effects
· Some pesticides can "sensitize" the body when they come into contact with it.
· Some pesticides affect the body after they are absorbed.
· Some pesticides can cause illness immediately or soon after exposure. These are called "acute"
effects
·
Some pesticides cause illness months or even years after
exposure. These are called "chronic" effects.
Possible chronic
effects:
Chronic effects are when pesticides cause illness,
months or even years after exposure. Here are the most common chronic effects:
·
Cancer
·
Birth defects
·
Genetic mutations
·
Nerve damage
·
Liver and kidney failure/damage
Health effects of pesticide exposure:
The health effects of pesticide exposure range
from mild to severe and may include:
·
Dizziness
·
Nausea
·
Acute poisoning
·
Cancer
·
Neurological effects
·
Reproductive and development harm
