Health Issues from Pesticide Residues

The risks to health from pesticide residues can be both acute and chronic, with prolonged exposure being particularly alarming due to its links to a range of serious health issues. Scientific research has identified that pesticides like organochlorines and carbamates are categorized as either carcinogenic or possibly carcinogenic to humans. A study conducted by Gangemi et al. (2016) found connections between exposure to these substances and increased risks of brain, breast, and prostate cancers. Glyphosate, a widely used herbicide, has become a source of debate after being designated as a probable human carcinogen by the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC).

Hormonal imbalances caused by endocrine-disrupting chemicals (EDCs) found in pesticides, such as dithiocarbamates and pyrethroids, are also a major concern. These chemicals mimic or interfere with natural hormones and this leads to reproductive issues like infertility, polycystic ovary syndrome, and thyroid dysfunction, as noted by Maqbool et al. (2016). 

Similarly, chemicals such as organophosphates and neonicotinoids disrupt neural pathways,  which increases the risk of neurodegenerative diseases. Chronic exposure has been linked to conditions such as Parkinson’s disease, Alzheimer’s disease, and developmental delays in children. Rajawat et al. (2022) emphasized that agricultural workers and residents in farming places are mostly vulnerable to these neurological disorders.

Moreover, pesticide residues have been associated with the weakening of the immune system, which leads to increased susceptibility to infections and autoimmune diseases. The risk is high in fetuses, infants, and children, who are particularly vulnerable to the toxic effects of pesticide residues. Exposure during critical developmental stages has been associated with congenital disabilities, learning disabilities, and behavioral disorders, as presented by Kajta and Wójtowicz (2013).

NutriHydro puts community health first by eliminating the use of harmful chemical pesticides and fungicides in their cultivation practices. NutriHydro focuses on sustainable farming by using natural products like Subamo and Bebass to control pests and diseases. These biocontrol solutions protect the environment and keep produce safe and healthy without harmful chemicals.

References:

Gangemi, S., Gofita, E., Costa, C., Teodoro, M., Briguglio, G., Nikitovic, D., Tzanakakis, G., Tsatsakis, A. M., Wilks, M. F., Spandidos, D. A., & Fenga, C. (2016). Occupational and environmental exposure to pesticides and cytokine pathways in chronic diseases (Review). International Journal of Molecular Medicine, 38(4), 1012–1020. https://doi.org/10.3892/ijmm.2016.2728

Maqbool, F., Mostafalou, S., Bahadar, H., & Abdollahi, M. (2015). Review of endocrine disorders associated with environmental toxicants and possible involved mechanisms. Life Sciences, 145, 265–273. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.lfs.2015.10.022

Rajawat, N. K., Bhardwaj, K., & Mathur, N. (2022). Risk of Parkinson disease associated with pesticide exposure and protection by probiotics. Materials Today Proceedings, 69, A1–A11. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.matpr.2022.12.153

Kajta, M., & Wójtowicz, A. K. (2013). Impact of endocrine-disrupting chemicals on neural development and the onset of neurological disorders. Pharmacological Reports, 65(6), 1632–1639. https://doi.org/10.1016/s1734-1140(13)71524-x