Cases of pesticide poisoning are on the rise worldwide. The health of 44% of the world's agricultural workers is compromised
He is about to end up run over, his mother saves himCases of pesticide poisoning are on the rise worldwide. A new one released by the Pesticide Action Network reveals that roughly 44% of the world's agricultural workers' health is being compromised
They not only pose a serious threat to the environment and to valuable pollinating insects, such as bees. THE pesticides they are responsible for the deaths of around 11 farmers every year. A disturbing phenomenon of which there is still too little talk. And over the past few years, the situation has worsened as cases of pesticide poisoning have increased. The new report produced by the Pesticide Action Network (PAN), an international coalition made up of 600 NGOs and citizens from around 60 countries around the world, turns the spotlight on the issue.
Read also: Pesticide poisoning: 400 million cases on farms around the world in just one year, the study
Cases of pesticide poisoning are on the rise
The study reveals worrying data: compared to 30 years ago, the number of agricultural workers poisoned by these dangerous chemicals has increased. The estimates speak approximately 385 million cases of acute poisoning every year. This means that 44% of the world population working on farms and fields face health problems due to the use of pesticides.
These numbers are shocking, but not surprising - comments Dr Keith Tyrell, Director of PAN UK. - The tragedy is that these poisonings are avoidable: safe and sustainable alternatives exist and the experience of countries like Sri Lanka shows that the ban on highly dangerous pesticides can be introduced at low cost, with little or no impact on productivity.
According to the data provided by the report, traces of these substances are found mainly on fruits such as strawberries and grapes, even in 98% of cases, followed by apples (96%), peppers (87%), tomatoes (84%) and iceberg lettuce (82%). Among the most common pesticides is the controversial one glyphosate, related to the onset of tumors and other pathologies.
But what are the areas of the world where pesticides have become a serious threat? The study found that the largest number of poisoning cases occurred in South Asia, followed by Southeast Asia and East Africa.
We cannot have more poison jeopardise those who grow our food! #SaveBeesandFarmers #HealthNotToxins #StopToxicAlliance https://t.co/4Ods0Spg6F
— PAN Europe (@EuropePAN) December 3, 2021
The South American continent, on the other hand, is in the lead for the number of kilos (over 5) of pesticides used per hectare. The countries with the highest national incidence include the Burkina Faso, where nearly 84% of farmers suffer from acute poisoning. While the largest number of deaths - as much as 60% - occurs in India. A situation that indicates that this nation has a serious problem with pesticide abuse. In our continent, the number of poisonings is around 1,6 million a year.
Avoidable deaths, safer alternatives to killer pesticides exist
The shock report rekindles the debate on the use of pesticides which - in the general silence - are putting human health at risk, as well as biodiversity.
These results underline the urgency to reduce and eliminate the use of highly dangerous pesticides - underlines Kristin Schafer, coordinator of the Pesticide Action Network (PAN) International - These substances are causing the unacceptable poisoning of those who produce our food, but also effects chronic health problems such as cancer and ecological impacts such as the collapse of biodiversity. Global action has been expected for too long.
Studies confirming the dangers associated with pesticides are now very numerous and the problem can no longer be ignored.
Pesticide poisonings are a public health crisis that must be addressed - said Sarojeni Rengam, executive director of PAN Asia Pacific - In addition to causing immediate suffering, poisoning can lead to chronic long-term health effects. It is shocking and shameful that this problem has gotten worse over the past 30 years, instead of being addressed.
Why continue to poison people and the environment if natural and safe alternatives to killer pesticides exist?
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Fonte: Pesticide Action Network
On pesticides, read also:
- Shocking data on pesticides in Trentino: tumors, autism and Parkinson's are on the rise. The alarm of doctors for the environment
- Bee killer insecticides: France changes its mind and authorizes the use of neonicotinoids
- Pesticides: emergency use of bee killer neonicotinoids in 10 countries (except France) under review
- These common insecticides sold in nurseries against plant aphids are harmful to bees in any quantity
- Pesticides are increasingly toxic and are killing bees, we need to save them NOW
