Pesticides

Types of pesticides

• Insecticides
• Fungicides
• Herbicides

Chemical families of pesticides

• Organophosphates
• Organochlorines
• Carbamates
• Pyrethroids
• Paraquat
• etc.

Health effects / Toxicity

• Acute toxicity
• Chronic toxicity
• Carcinogenic
• Endocrine disruption
• Developmental toxins

Exposure to chemicals

• Skin
• Mouth
• Breathing

Understanding the labels

• Protection during application
• Safe storage
• Waiting periods

Effects on pests

• Development of resistance

Cost

• Financial cost
• Environmental cost
• Health cost

Side effects

• Natural enemies
  • Resurgence of pests
  • Secondary pests
• Birds
• Fish

Problems caused by pesticides

Many farmers know that pesticides are efficient in killing pests but they are often not aware of the many problems that are caused by pesticides.

A decision to use pesticides should only be made after carefully considering all these effects.

Problems caused by pesticides include:

• Natural enemies are killed
• Pests become resistant
• Minor pests can become more serious than key pests
• Toxic pesticide residues on the crops
• Unnecessary use increases costs
• High risk for the health of farmers and their families
• Pollution of the environment