Toxic pesticides are commonly used throughout the world to rid gardens and large scale farms of pests that will damage their produce. Farmers spread pesticides by planes either in a form of spray or dust, but as a result, the particles often “drift” or spread through the air after applied to the crops. This drift is simply defined as the unintentional airborne movement of chemicals to a non-target area. It is proven that 95%-98% of applied pesticides miss their target, reaching nearby people and wildlife, waterways, soil and air (Miller GT). These toxic clouds are carried by the wind and deposited in places such as nearby homes, schools, and playgrounds. This makes it very easy for the chemicals to be ingested by people around the contaminated
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Federal government agencies also share responsibility for the regulation of pesticides. The U.S. Environmental Agency (EPA) approves the use of pesticides and establishes tolerances (the maximum amount of residue detectable in food), with laws like the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act (FFDCA). The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is responsible for enforcing tolerances in both domestic and imported foods. Despite the fact that these agencies have taken action to reduce the amount of pesticide residue found within food, a report by the EPA confirms that since the FFDCA was enacted the number of pesticide residues in food have increased by almost 20%. This data shows that some laws are ineffective and have done little to reduce public exposure to toxic chemicals. The EPA has also attempted to establish buffer zones around treated fields to reduce risks from acute inhalation exposure to bystanders. In 2005 there was a report of a pesticide known as, chloropicrin (a chemical warfare agent and component of tear gas), drifting about 1 mile past the buffer zone. The haze floated away from a strawberry field, into a residential area, causing dozens of people to become ill. This case is one of many examples showing how buffer zones, as well as the currently enacted laws, are an ineffective regulatory system. Obviously, the present-day strategy is failing to …show more content…
As public exposure to toxic pesticides reduce, health risks caused by toxins will also reduce. Organic farming will ensure that people will not have to endure contamination of food, air, and water caused by conventional farming because farmers will rely on more natural forms of pest control. Along human health benefits, farmers will experience economic prosperity by converting to organic farming. The various benefits of organic farming for farmers throughout the world include a high premium, low capital investment, and the ability to achieve higher premiums in the market. Studies by the International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD) discovered that farmers in Latin America, India, and China can benefit dramatically from organic farming and will help alleviate poverty in these nations. In contrast to the high capital investment required in conventional farming, organic farmers generally spend less on fertilizers and pest management techniques because they can be produced locally. Thus, the yearly costs incurred by organic farmers are
Federal government agencies also share responsibility for the regulation of pesticides. The U.S. Environmental Agency (EPA) approves the use of pesticides and establishes tolerances (the maximum amount of residue detectable in food), with laws like the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act (FFDCA). The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is responsible for enforcing tolerances in both domestic and imported foods. Despite the fact that these agencies have taken action to reduce the amount of pesticide residue found within food, a report by the EPA confirms that since the FFDCA was enacted the number of pesticide residues in food have increased by almost 20%. This data shows that some laws are ineffective and have done little to reduce public exposure to toxic chemicals. The EPA has also attempted to establish buffer zones around treated fields to reduce risks from acute inhalation exposure to bystanders. In 2005 there was a report of a pesticide known as, chloropicrin (a chemical warfare agent and component of tear gas), drifting about 1 mile past the buffer zone. The haze floated away from a strawberry field, into a residential area, causing dozens of people to become ill. This case is one of many examples showing how buffer zones, as well as the currently enacted laws, are an ineffective regulatory system. Obviously, the present-day strategy is failing to …show more content…
As public exposure to toxic pesticides reduce, health risks caused by toxins will also reduce. Organic farming will ensure that people will not have to endure contamination of food, air, and water caused by conventional farming because farmers will rely on more natural forms of pest control. Along human health benefits, farmers will experience economic prosperity by converting to organic farming. The various benefits of organic farming for farmers throughout the world include a high premium, low capital investment, and the ability to achieve higher premiums in the market. Studies by the International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD) discovered that farmers in Latin America, India, and China can benefit dramatically from organic farming and will help alleviate poverty in these nations. In contrast to the high capital investment required in conventional farming, organic farmers generally spend less on fertilizers and pest management techniques because they can be produced locally. Thus, the yearly costs incurred by organic farmers are