Pesticide: Difference between revisions
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In the [[United States]], pesticides were found to pollute every stream and over 90% of wells sampled in a study by the US Geological Survey.<ref>Gilliom RJ, Barbash JE, Crawford GG, Hamilton PA, Martin JD, Nakagaki N, Nowell LH, Scott JC, Stackelberg PE, Thelin GP, and Wolock DM (February 15, 2007), [http://pubs.usgs.gov/circ/2005/1291/ The Quality of Our Nation’s Waters: Pesticides in the Nation’s Streams and Ground Water, 1992–2001]. Chapter 1, Page 4. US Geological Survey. Retrieved on [[September 13]], [[2007]].</ref> |
In the [[United States]], pesticides were found to pollute every stream and over 90% of wells sampled in a study by the US Geological Survey.<ref>Gilliom RJ, Barbash JE, Crawford GG, Hamilton PA, Martin JD, Nakagaki N, Nowell LH, Scott JC, Stackelberg PE, Thelin GP, and Wolock DM (February 15, 2007), [http://pubs.usgs.gov/circ/2005/1291/ The Quality of Our Nation’s Waters: Pesticides in the Nation’s Streams and Ground Water, 1992–2001]. Chapter 1, Page 4. US Geological Survey. Retrieved on [[September 13]], [[2007]].</ref> Direct contact of sprays of some pesticides (either by drift from nearby applications or accidental or deliberate sprays) can be highly lethal to amphibians [http://www.pitt.edu/~relyea/Roundup.html University of Pittsburgh] and other aquatic biota. (additional refs needed) Pesticide impacts on aquatic systems are often studied using a [[hydrology transport model]] to study movement and fate of chemicals in rivers and streams. As early as the 1970s quantitative analysis of pesticide runoff was conducted in order to predict amounts of pesticide that would reach surface waters.<ref>Hogan CM, Patmore L, Latshaw G, Seidman H, et al. (1973), ''[[Computer model]]ing of pesticide transport in soil for five instrumented watersheds'', [[United States Environmental Protection Agency|U.S. Environmental Protection Agency]] Southeast Water laboratory, Athens, Ga. by [[ESL Inc.]], Sunnyvale, California.</ref> |
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Factors that affect a pesticide's ability to contaminate water include its water [[solubility]], the distance from an application site to a body of water, weather, soil type, presence of a growing crop, and the method used to apply the chemical.<ref name="Pedersen">Pedersen TL (June 1997), [http://extoxnet.orst.edu/faqs/safedrink/pest.htm Pesticide residues in drinking water]. extoxnet.orst.edu. Retrieved on [[September 15]], [[2007]].</ref> |
Factors that affect a pesticide's ability to contaminate water include its water [[solubility]], the distance from an application site to a body of water, weather, soil type, presence of a growing crop, and the method used to apply the chemical.<ref name="Pedersen">Pedersen TL (June 1997), [http://extoxnet.orst.edu/faqs/safedrink/pest.htm Pesticide residues in drinking water]. extoxnet.orst.edu. Retrieved on [[September 15]], [[2007]].</ref> |
Revision as of 20:05, 18 September 2007
This article needs additional citations for verification. (September 2007) |
![](http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/5/5e/Cropduster_spraying_pesticides.jpg)
The U.S Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) defines a pesticide as "any substance or mixture of substances intended for preventing, destroying, repelling, or lessening the damage of any pest".[1] A pesticide may be a chemical substance, biological agent (such as a virus or bacteria), antimicrobial, disinfectant or device used against any pest. Pests include insects, plant pathogens, weeds, mollusks, birds, mammals, fish, nematodes (roundworms) and microbes that compete with humans for food, destroy property, spread or are a vector for disease or are a nuisance. Many pesticides are poisonous to humans.
Types of Pesticides
- Bactericides for the control of bacteria
- Fungicides for the control of fungi and oomycetes
- Herbicides for the control of weeds
- Insecticides for the control of insects - these can be Ovicides, Larvicides or Adulticides
- Miticides for the control of mites
- Molluscicides for the control of slugs and snails
- Nematicides for the control of nematodes
- Rodenticides for the control of rodents
- Virucides for the control of viruses
Pesticides can also be classed as synthetic pesticides or biological pesticides, although the distinction can sometimes blur.
Broad-spectrum pesticides are those that kill an array of species, while narrow-spectrum, or selective pesticides only kill a small group of species.[2]
A systemic pesticide moves inside a plant following absorption by the plant. This movement is usually upward (through the xylem) and outward. Increased efficiency may be a result. Systemic insecticides which poison pollen and nectar in the flowers may kill needed pollinators such as bees.
Uses and benefits
Pesticides are used to control organisms which can otherwise result in harm.[3] For example, they are used to kill mosquitoes that can transmit potentially deadly diseases like west nile virus and malaria and bees, wasps or ants that can cause allergic reactions. Insecticides can protect animals, because infestations by parasites such as fleas may cause them illness.[3] Pesticides can prevent sickness in humans that could be caused by moldy food or diseased produce. Herbicides can prevent accidents by clearing roadside trees and brush, which may block visibility. They can also kill invasive weeds in parks and wilderness areas which may cause environmental damage. Uncontrolled pests such as termites and mold can damage structures such as houses.[3] Pesticides are often very cost-effective for farmers. Pesticides are used in grocery stores and food storage facilities to manage rodents and insects that infest food such as grain. Each use of a pesticide carries some associated risk. Proper pesticide use decreases these associated risks to a level deemed acceptable and increases quality of life and protects property and the environment.
In 2006, the World Health Organization suggested the resumption of the limited use of DDT to fight malaria.[4] They called for the use of DDT to coat the inside walls of houses in areas where mosquitoes are prevalent. Dr. Arata Kochi, WHO's malaria chief, said, "One of the best tools we have against malaria is indoor residual house spraying. Of the dozen insecticides WHO has approved as safe for house spraying, the most effective is DDT."[4] Scientists estimate that DDT and other chemicals in the organophosphate class of pesticides have saved 7 million human lives since 1945 by preventing the transmission of diseases such as malaria, bubonic plague, sleeping sickness, and typhus.[2]
In the US, about a quarter of pesticides used are used in houses, yards, parks, golf courses, and swimming pools.[2]
History
Since before 2500 BC, humans have used pesticides to prevent damage to their crops. The first known pesticide was elemental sulfur dusting used in Sumeria about 4,500 years ago. By the 15th century, toxic chemicals such as arsenic, mercury and lead were being applied to crops to kill pests. In the 17th century, nicotine sulfate was extracted from tobacco leaves for use as an insecticide. The 19th century saw the introduction of two more natural pesticides, pyrethrum which is derived from chrysanthemums, and rotenone which is derived from the roots of tropical vegetables.[5]
In 1939, Paul Müller discovered that DDT was a very effective insecticide. It quickly became the most widely-used pesticide in the world. However, in the 1960s, it was discovered that DDT was preventing many fish-eating birds from reproducing which was a huge threat to biodiversity. Rachel Carson wrote the best-selling book Silent Spring about biological magnification. DDT is now banned in at least 86 countries, but it is still used in some developing nations to prevent malaria and other tropical diseases by killing mosquitoes and other disease-carrying insects.[6]
In the 1940's, manufacturers began to produce large amounts of synthetic pesticides, and their use became widespread.[7] Some sources consider the 1940's and 1950's to have been the start of the "pesticide era."[8] Pesticide use has increased 50-fold since 1950, and 2.5 million tons (2.3 million metric tons) of industrial pesticides are now used each year.[5] Seventy-five percent of all pesticides in the world are used in developed countries, but use in developing countries is increasing.[2]
Regulation
![](http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/e/e7/Hazardous-pesticide.jpg/250px-Hazardous-pesticide.jpg)
In most countries, in order to sell or use a pesticide, it must be approved by a government agency. For example, in the United States, the EPA does so. Complex and costly studies must be conducted to indicate whether the material is effective against the intended pest and safe to use. During the registration process, a label is created which contains directions for the proper use of the material. Based on acute toxicity, pesticides are assigned to a Toxicity Class. Intentional pesticide misuse is illegal worldwide.[citation needed]
Some pesticides are considered too hazardous for sale to the general public and are designated restricted use pesticides. Only certified applicators, who have passed an exam, may purchase or supervise the application of restricted use pesticides. Records of sales and use are required to be maintained and may be audited by government agencies charged with the enforcement of pesticide regulations.
"Read and follow label directions" is a phrase often quoted by extension agents, garden columnists and others teaching about pesticides. This is required by law in countries such as the U.S. Similar laws exist in limited parts of the rest of the world. In the U.S., the Federal Insecticide, Fungicide, and Rodenticide Act of 1972 (FIFRA) set up the current system of pesticide regulations. It was amended somewhat by the Food Quality Protection Act of 1996. Its purpose is to make pesticide manufacture, distribution and use as safe as possible. The most important points for users to understand are these: it is a violation to apply any pesticide in a manner not in accordance with the label for that pesticide, and it is a crime to do so intentionally.[citation needed]
Environmental effects
Use of pesticides can have unintended effects on the environment. Over 98% of sprayed insecticides and 95% of herbicides reach a destination other than their target species, including nontarget species, air, water, bottom sediments, and food.[2] Pesticide contaminates land and water when it escapes from production sites and storage tanks, when it runs off from fields, when it is discarded, when it is sprayed aerially, and when it is sprayed into water to kill algae.[9]
Water
In the United States, pesticides were found to pollute every stream and over 90% of wells sampled in a study by the US Geological Survey.[10] Direct contact of sprays of some pesticides (either by drift from nearby applications or accidental or deliberate sprays) can be highly lethal to amphibians University of Pittsburgh and other aquatic biota. (additional refs needed) Pesticide impacts on aquatic systems are often studied using a hydrology transport model to study movement and fate of chemicals in rivers and streams. As early as the 1970s quantitative analysis of pesticide runoff was conducted in order to predict amounts of pesticide that would reach surface waters.[11]
Factors that affect a pesticide's ability to contaminate water include its water solubility, the distance from an application site to a body of water, weather, soil type, presence of a growing crop, and the method used to apply the chemical.[12]
In the US, the Environmental Protection Agency sets Maximum Contamination Levels for certain pesticides in public bodies of water.[12]
Soil
Many of the chemicals used in pesticides are persistent soil contaminants, whose impact may endure for decades and adversely affect soil conservation.[13]
The use of pesticides decreases the general biodiversity in the soil. Not using the chemicals results in higher soil quality[14] with the additional effect that more life in the soil allows for higher water retention. This helps increase yields for farms in drought years, when organic farms have had yields 20-40% higher than their conventional counterparts.[15]
Plants
Nitrogen fixation, which is required for the growth of higher plants, is hindered by pesticides in soil.[16] The insecticides DDT, methyl parathion, and especially pentachlorophenol have been shown to interfere with legume-rhizobium chemical signaling.[16] Reduction of this symbiotic chemical signaling results in reduced nitrogen fixation and thus reduced crop yields.[16] Root nodule formation in these plants saves the world economy $10 billion in synthetic nitrogen fertiliser every year.[17]
Pesticides are strongly implicated in pollinator decline, the loss of species that polinate plants, including through the mechanism of Colony Collapse Disorder,[18][19][20][21] in which worker bees from a beehive or Western honey bee colony abruptly disappear. Application of pesticides to crops that are in bloom can kill honeybees,[22] which act as pollinators. The USDA and USFWS estimate that US farmers lose at least $200 million a year from reduced crop pollination because pesticides applied to fields eliminate about a fifth of honeybee colonies in the US and harm an additional 15%.[2]
Persistent organic pollutants
Persistent organic pollutants (POPs) are compounds that resist degradation and thus remain in the environment for years.[23] Some pesticides, including aldrin, chlordane, DDT, dieldrin, endrin, heptachlor, hexachlorobenzene, mirex, and toxaphene, are considered POPs.[23] POPs have the ability to volatilize and travel great distances through the atmosphere to become deposited in remote regions.[23] The chemicals also have the ability to bioaccumulate and biomagnify, and can bioconcentrate (i.e. become more concentrated) up to 70,000 times their original concentrations.[23] POPs may continue to poison non-target organisms in the environment and increase risk to humans[24] by disruption in the endocrine, reproductive, and immune systems; cancer; neurobehavioral disorders,[23] infertility and mutagenic effects, although very little is currently known about these chronic effects. Some POPs have been banned, while others continue to be used.
Animals
Pesticides inflict extremely widespread damage to biota, and many countries have acted to discourage pesticide usage through their Biodiversity Action Plans.[citation needed]
Widespread application of pesticides can eliminate food sources that certain types of animals need, causing the animals to relocate, change their diet, or starve.[22] Poisoning from pesticides can travel up the food chain; for example, birds can be harmed when they eat bugs and worms that have consumed pesticides.[22] Some pesticides can bioaccumulate, or build up to toxic levels in the bodies of organisms that consume them over time, a phenomenon that impacts species high on the food chain especially hard.[22]
Birds
Birds are common examples of nontarget organisms that are impacted by pesticide use. Rachel Carson's landmark book Silent Spring dealt with the topic of loss of bird species due to bioaccumulation of pesticides in their tissues. There is evidence that birds are continuing to be harmed by pesticide use. In the farmland of Britain, populations of ten different species of birds have declined by 10 million breeding individuals between 1979 and 1999, a phenomenon thought to have resulted from loss of plant and invertebrate species on which the birds feed.[25] Throughout Europe, 116 species of birds are now threatened.[25] Reductions in bird populations have been found to be associated with times and areas in which pesticides are used.[25]
The USDA and USFWS estimate that over 67 million birds and between 6 and 14 million fish are killed by pesticides each year in the US, and that about 20% of the endangered and threatened species in the US are jeopardized by use of pesticides.[2]
Aquatic and amphibian life
Pesticide surface runoff into rivers and streams can be highly lethal to aquatic life, sometimes killing all the fish in a particular stream.[26] For example, in Montague P.E.I., nine "fish kills" happened in one year: every fish, snake, and snail was killed in a river called Sutherland's Hole near potato farms from which herbicides, insecticides, and fungicides ran off after heavy rains.[26] Pesticides can accumulate in bodies of water to levels that kill off zooplankton, the main source of food for young fish.[27]
US scientists have found that some pesticides used in farming disrupt the nervous systems of frogs, and that use of these pesticides is correlated with a decline in the population of frogs in the Sierra Nevada.[28] In the past several decades, populations of some amphibians have been declining all over the world, for unexplained reasons which are thought to be varied but of which pesticides may be a part.[28]
In Minnesota, pesticide use has been causally linked to congenital deformities in frogs such as eye, mouth, and limb malformations.[29]
Pest resistance
An early discovery relating to pesticide use is that pests may eventually evolve to become resistant to chemicals. When sprayed with pesticides, many pests will initially be very susceptible. However, not all pests are killed, and some with slight variations in their genetic makeup are resistant and therefore survive. Through natural selection, the pests may eventually become very resistant to the pesticide.
Pest resistance to a pesticide is commonly managed through pesticide rotation, which involves alternating among pesticide classes with different modes of action to delay the onset of or mitigate existing pest resistance.[8]
Tankmixing pesticides is the combination of two or more pesticides with different modes of action in order to improve individual pesticide application results and delay the onset of or mitigate existing pest resistance.[citation needed]
Pest rebound and secondary pest outbreaks
Non-target organisms, organisms that the pesticides are not intended to kill, can be severely impacted by use of the chemicals. In some cases, where a pest insect has some controls from a beneficial predator or parasite, an insecticide application can kill both pest and beneficial populations. A study comparing biological pest control and use of pyrethroid insecticide for diamondback moths, a major cabbage family insect pest, showed that the insecticide application created a rebounded pest population due to loss of insect predators, whereas the biocontrol did not show the same effect.[30] Likewise, pesticides sprayed in an effort to control adult mosquitoes, may temporarily depress mosquito populations, however they may result in a larger population in the long run by damaging the natural controlling factors.[22] This phenomenon, wherein the population of a pest species rebounds to greater numbers than it had before pesticide use, is called pest resurgence and can be linked to elimination of predators and other natural enemies of the pest.[7]
Loss of predator species can also lead to a related phenomenon called secondary pest outbreaks, an increase in problems from species which were not originally very damaging pests due to loss of their predators or parasites.[7] An estimated third of the 300 most damaging insects in the US were originally secondary pests and only became a major problem after the use of pesticides.[2] In both pest resurgence and secondary pest outbreaks, the natural enemies have been found to be more susceptible to the pesticides than the pests themselves, in some cases causing the pest population to be higher than it was before the use of pesticide.[7]
Health effects
Pesticides can present danger to consumers, bystanders, or workers during manufacture, transport, or during and after use.[31]
Farmers
There have been many studies of farmers with the goal of determining the health effects of pesticide exposure.[32]
The World Health Organization and the UN Environment Programme estimate that each year, 3 million workers in agriculture in the developing world experience severe poisoning from pesticides, about 18,000 of whom die.[2]
Research in Bangladesh suggests that many farmers do not need to apply pesticide to their rice fields, but continue to do so only because the pesticide is paid for by the government.[33] Organophosphate pesticides have increased in use, because they are less damaging to the environment and they are less persistent than organochlorine pesticides.[34] These are associated with acute health problems such as abdominal pain, dizziness, headaches, nausea, vomiting, as well as skin and eye problems.[35] Additionally, many studies have indicated that pesticide exposure is associated with long-term health problems such as respiratory problems, memory disorders, dermatologic conditions,[36][37] cancer,[38] depression, neurologic deficits,[39][40] miscarriages, and birth defects.[41][42][43][44][45][46][47][48][49] Summaries of peer-reviewed research have examined the link between pesticide exposure and neurologic outcomes and cancer, perhaps the two most significant things resulting in organophosphate-exposed workers.[50][51]
Consumers
There is concern that pesticides used to control pests on food crops are dangerous to people who consume those foods. These concerns are one reason for the organic food movement. Many food crops, including fruits and vegetables, contain pesticide residues after being washed or peeled (see Pesticide residues in food, below). In the US, levels of residues that remain on foods are limited to tolerance levels that are established by the US EPA and are considered safe.[52] The EPA sets the tolerances based on the toxicity of the pesticide and its break-down products, the amount and frequency of pesticide application, and how much of the pesticide (i.e., the residue) remains in or on food by the time it is marketed and prepared.[53] Tolerance levels are obtained using scientific risk assessments that pesticide manufacturers are required to produce by conducting toxicological studies, exposure modeling and residue studies before a particular pesticide can be registered, however, the effects are tested for single pesticides, and there is no information on possible synergistic effects of exposure to multiple pesticide traces in the air, food and water.[54]
In the US, the National Academy of Sciences estimates that between 4,000 and 20,000 cases of cancer are caused per year by pesticide residues in food in allowable amounts.[2]
A new study conducted by the Harvard School of Public Health in Boston, has discovered a 70% increase in the risk of developing Parkinson’s disease for people exposed to even low levels of pesticides.[55]
A study published by the United States National Research Council in 1993 determined that for infants and children, the major source of exposure to pesticides is through diet.[56] A study in 2006 measured the levels of organophosphorus pesticide exposure in 23 school children before and after replacing their diet with organic food (food grown without synthetic pesticides). In this study it was found that levels of organophosphorus pesticide exposure dropped dramatically and immediately when the children switched to an organic diet.[57]
Pesticide residues in food
The Pesticide Data Program, a program started by the United States Department of Agriculture is the largest tester of pesticide residues on food sold in the United States. It began in 1990, and has since tested over 60 different types of food for over 400 different types of pesticides - with samples collected close to the point of consumption. Their most recent summary results are from the year 2005:[58]
For example, on page 30 is comprehensive data on pesticides on fruits. Some example data:
Fresh Fruit and Vegetables |
Number of Samples Analyzed |
Samples with Residues Detected |
Percent of Samples with Detections |
Different Pesticides Detected |
Different Residues Detected |
Total Residue Detections |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Apples | 774 | 727 | 98 | 33 | 41 | 2,619 |
Lettuce | 743 | 657 | 88 | 47 | 57 | 1,985 |
Pears | 741 | 643 | 87 | 31 | 35 | 1,309 |
Orange Juice | 186 | 93 | 50 | 3 | 3 | 94 |
They were also able to test for multiple pesticides within a single sample and found that:
- These data indicate that 29.5 percent of all samples tested contained no detectable pesticides [parent
- compound and metabolite(s) combined], 30 percent contained 1 pesticide, and slightly over 40 percent
- contained more than 1 pesticide. - page 34.[58]
The Environmental Working Group used the results of nearly 43,000 tests for pesticides on produce collected by the USDA and the U.S. FDA between 2000 and 2004, to produce a ranking of 43 commonly eaten fruits & vegetables.[59]
The public
Exposure routes other than consuming food that contains residues, in particular pesticide drift, are potentially significant to the general public.[60]
Children have been found to be especially susceptible to the harmful effects of pesticides.[61] A number of research studies have found higher instances of brain cancer, leukemia and birth defects in children with early exposure to pesticides, according to the Natural Resources Defense Council.[62]
Peer-reviewed studies now suggest neurotoxic effects on developing animals from organophosphate pesticides at legally-tolerable levels, including fewer nerve cells, lower birth weights, and lower cognitive scores.[citation needed] The EPA finished a 10 year review of the organophosphate pesticides following the 1996 Food Quality Protection Act, but did little to account for developmental neurotoxic effects, drawing strong criticism from within the agency and from outside researchers.[63][64]
Some scientists think that exposure to pesticides in the womb may have negative effects on a fetus that may manifest as problems such as growth and behavioral disorders or reduced resistance to pesticide toxicity later in life.[65]
One study found that use of pesticides may be behind the finding that the rate of birth defects such as missing or very small eyes is twice as high in rural areas as in urban areas.[66] Another study found no connection between eye abnormalities and pesticides.[66]
Pyrethrins, insecticides commonly used in common bug killers, can cause a potentially deadly condition if breathed in.[67]
Continuing development of pesticides
Pesticide safety education and pesticide applicator regulation are designed to protect the public from pesticide misuse, but do not eliminate all misuse. Reducing the use of pesticides and replacing high risk pesticides is a solution to reducing risks placed on our society from pesticide use.[citation needed] For over 30 years, there has been a trend in the United States and in many other parts of the world to use pesticides in combination with alternative pest controls.[citation needed] Integrated pest management, the use of multiple approaches to control pests, is becoming widespread and has been used with success in countries such as Indonesia, China, Bangladesh, the US, Australia, and Mexico.[2] IPM attempts to recognize the more widespread impacts of an action on an ecosystem, so that natural balances are not upset.[7] With pesticide regulations that now put a higher priority on reducing the risks of pesticides in the food supply and emphasize environmental protection, old pesticides are being phased out in favor of new reduced risk pesticides.[citation needed] These new pesticides include biological and botanical derivatives and alternatives that are thought to reduce health and environmental risks. Chemical engineers continually develop new pesticides to produce enhancements over previous generations of products.[citation needed] In addition, applicators are being encouraged to consider alternative controls and adopt methods that reduce the use of chemical pesticides. This process is ongoing and is not an immediate solution to the risks of pesticide use.[citation needed]
Alternatives
Alternatives to pesticides are available and include methods of cultivation, use of other organisms to kill pests, genetic engineering, and interfering with insect breeding.[2]
Cultivation practices include polyculture (growing multiple types of plants), crop rotation, planting crops in areas where the pests that damage them do not live, timing planting according to when pests will be least problematic, use of trap crops that attract pests away from the real crop.[2] In the US, farmers have had success controlling insects by spraying with hot water at a cost that is about the same as pesticide spraying.[2]
Release of other organisms that fight the pest is another example of an alternative to pesticide use. These organisms can include natural predators or parasites of the pests.[2] Pathogens such as bacteria and viruses which cause disease in the pest species can also be used.[2]
Interfering with insects' reproduction can be accomplished by sterilizing males of the target species and releasing them, so that they mate with females but do not produce offspring.[2] This technique was first used on the screwworm fly in 1958 and has since been used with the medfly, the tsetse fly,[68] and the gypsy moth.[69] However, this can be a costly, time consuming approach that only works on some types of insects.[2]
Some evidence shows that alternatives to pesticides can be equally effective as the use of chemicals. For example, Sweden has halved its use of pesticides with hardly any reduction in crops.[2] In Indonesia, farmers have reduced pesticide use on rice fields by 65% and experienced a 15% crop increase.[2]
See also
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References
- ^ US Environmental Protection Agency (July 24, 2007), What is a Pesticide? epa.gov. Retrieved on September 15, 2007.
- ^ a b c d e f g h i j k l m n o p q r s t Miller GT (2004), Sustaining the Earth, 6th edition. Thompson Learning, Inc. Pacific Grove, California. Chapter 9, Pages 211-216.
- ^ a b c The benefits of pesticides: A story worth telling. Purdue.edu. Retrieved on September 15, 2007.
- ^ a b World Health Organization (September 15, 2006), WHO gives indoor use of DDT a clean bill of health for controlling malaria. Retrieved on September 13, 2007.
- ^ a b Miller GT (2002). Living in the Environment (12th Ed.). Belmont: Wadsworth/Thomson Learning. ISBN 0-534-37697-5
- ^ Lobe J (Sept 16, 2006), "WHO urges DDT for Malaria Control Strategies," Inter Press Service, cited from Commondreams.org. Retrieved on September 15, 2007.
- ^ a b c d e Daly H, Doyen JT, and Purcell AH III (1998), Introduction to insect biology and diversity, 2nd edition. Oxford University Press. New York, New York. Chapter 14, Pages 279-300.
- ^ a b Graeme Murphy (December 1 2005), Resistance Management - Pesticide Rotation. Ontario Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs. Retrieved on September 15, 2007.
- ^ Tashkent (1998), Part 1. Conditions and provisions for developing a national strategy for biodiversity conservation. Biodiversity Conservation National Strategy and Action Plan of Republic of Uzbekistan. Prepared by the National Biodiversity Strategy Project Steering Committee with the Financial Assistance of The Global Environmental Facility (GEF) and Technical Assistance of United Nations Development Programme (UNDP). Retrieved on September 17, 2007.
- ^ Gilliom RJ, Barbash JE, Crawford GG, Hamilton PA, Martin JD, Nakagaki N, Nowell LH, Scott JC, Stackelberg PE, Thelin GP, and Wolock DM (February 15, 2007), The Quality of Our Nation’s Waters: Pesticides in the Nation’s Streams and Ground Water, 1992–2001. Chapter 1, Page 4. US Geological Survey. Retrieved on September 13, 2007.
- ^ Hogan CM, Patmore L, Latshaw G, Seidman H, et al. (1973), Computer modeling of pesticide transport in soil for five instrumented watersheds, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency Southeast Water laboratory, Athens, Ga. by ESL Inc., Sunnyvale, California.
- ^ a b Pedersen TL (June 1997), Pesticide residues in drinking water. extoxnet.orst.edu. Retrieved on September 15, 2007.
- ^ Sources of Common Contaminants and Their Health Effects USEPA
- ^ Johnston AE (1986). "Soil organic-matter, effects on soils and crops". Soil Use Management. 2: 97–105.
- ^ Lotter DW, Seidel R, and Liebhardt W (2003). "The performance of organic and conventional cropping systems in an extreme climate year". American Journal of Alternative Agriculture. 18: 146–154.
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: CS1 maint: multiple names: authors list (link) - ^ a b c Rusty Rockets (June 8, 2007), Down On The Farm? Yields, Nutrients And Soil Quality. Scienceagogo.com. Retrieved on September 15, 2007.
- ^ Fox JE, Gulledge J, Engelhaupt E, Burrow ME, and McLachlan JA (2007). "Pesticides reduce symbiotic efficiency of nitrogen-fixing rhizobia and host plants". Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences of the USA. 104: 10282–10287.
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: CS1 maint: multiple names: authors list (link) - ^ Hackenberg D (2007-03-14). "Letter from David Hackenberg to American growers from March 14, 2007". Plattform Imkerinnen — Austria. Retrieved 2007-03-27.
- ^ Wells M (March 11, 2007). "Vanishing bees threaten US crops". www.bbc.co.uk. BBC News. Retrieved 2007-03-12.
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(help) - ^ "Betrayed and sold out–German bee monitoring- Walter Haefeker, Deutscher Berufs- und Erwerbsimkerbund". 2000-08-12. Retrieved 2007-04-26.
- ^ "Schadet Imidacloprid den Bienen - von Eric Zeissloff" (in German). 2001. Retrieved 2007-04-26.
- ^ a b c d e Pesticides In the Environment. Pesticide fact sheets and tutorial, module 6. cornell.edu. Retrieved on September 15, 2007.
- ^ a b c d e Ritter L, Solomon KR, and Forget J, Stemeroff M, and O'Leary C. Persistent organic pollutants: An Assessment Report on: DDT, Aldrin, Dieldrin, Endrin, Chlordane, Heptachlor, Hexachlorobenzene, Mirex, Toxaphene, Polychlorinated Biphenyls, Dioxins and Furans. Prepared for The International Programme on Chemical Safety (IPCS), within the framework of the Inter-Organization Programme for the Sound Management of Chemicals (IOMC). Retrieved on September 16, 2007.
- ^ Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Pesticides. cdc.gov. Retrieved on September 15, 2007.
- ^ a b c Kerbs JR, Wilson JD, Bradbury RB, and Siriwardena GM (August 12, 1999), The second silent spring. Commentary in Nature, Volume 400, Pages 611-612.
- ^ a b Toughill K (1999), The Summer the rivers died: Toxic runoff from potato farms is poisoning P.E.I. Originally published in Toronto Star Atlantic Canada Bureau. Retrieved on September 17, 2007.
- ^ Pesticide Action Network North America (June 4, 1999), Pesticides Threaten Birds and Fish in California. PANUPS. Retrieved on September 17, 2007.
- ^ a b Cone M (December 6, 2000), A Wind-Borne Threat to Sierra Frogs: A study finds that pesticides used on farms in the San Joaquin Valley damage the nervous systems of amphibians in Yosemite and elsewhere. L.A. Times Retrieved on September 17, 2007.
- ^ Meersman T (October 25, 1999), [Studies link frog deformities to pesticides]. Star Tribune Retrieved on September 17, 2007.
- ^ Muckenfuss AE, Shepard BM, Ferrer ER, Natural mortality of diamondback moth in coastal South Carolina Clemson University, Coastal Research and Education Center.
- ^ US Environmental Protection Agency (August 30, 2007), Pesticides: Health and Safety. National Assessment of the Worker Protection Workshop #3.
- ^ McCauley LA, Anger WK, Keifer M, Langley R, Robson MG, and Rohlman D (2006). "Studying Health Outcomes in Farmworker Populations Exposed to Pesticides". Environmental Health Perspectives. 114: 953–960.
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suggested) (help)CS1 maint: multiple names: authors list (link) - ^ OneWorld Radio (December 4, 2005), Interview. oneworld.net. WRENmedia. Retrieved on September 15, 2007.
- ^ Jaga K, Dharmani C. 2003. Sources of exposure to and public health implications of organophosphate pesticides. Pan American Journal of Public Health Volume 14, Issue 3, Pages 171–185. PMID 14653904.
- ^ Ecobichon DJ. 1996. Toxic effects of pesticides. In: Casarett and Doull's Toxicology: The Basic Science of Poisons (Klaassen CD, Doull J, eds). 5th ed. New York:MacMillan, 643–689.
- ^ Arcury TA, Quandt SA, Mellen BG. 2003. An exploratory analysis of occupational skin disease among Latino migrant and seasonal farmworkers in North Carolina. Journal of Agricultural Safety and Health, Volume 9, Issue 3, Pages 221–232. PMID 12970952.
- ^ O'Malley MA. 1997. Skin reactions to pesticides. Occupational Medicine Volume 12, Issue 2, Pages 327–345. PMID 9220489.
- ^ Daniels JL, Olshan AF, Savitz DA. 1997. Pesticides and childhood cancers. Environmental Health Perspectives, Volume 105, Issue 10, Pages 1068–1077. PMID 9349828.
- ^ Kamel F; et al. (2003). "Neurobehavioral performance and work experience in Florida farmworkers". Environmental Health Perspectives. 111: 1765–1772.
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- ^ Firestone JA, Smith-Weller T, Franklin G, Swanson P, Longsteth WT, Checkoway H. 2005. Pesticides and risk of Parkinson disease: a population-based case-control study. Archives of Neurology 62(1):91–95.
- ^ Engel LS, O'Meara ES, Schwartz SM. 2000. Maternal occupation in agriculture and risk of limb defects in Washington State, 1980-1993. Scandinavian Journal of Work, Environment & Health, Volume 26, Issue 3, Pages 193–198. PMID 10901110.
- ^ Cordes DH, Rea DF. 1988. Health hazards of farming. American Family Physician 38:233–243
- ^ Das R, Steege A, Baron S, Beckman J, Harrison R. 2001. Pesticide-related illness among migrant farm workers in the United States. International Journal of Occupational and Environmental Health, Volume 7, Issue 4, Pages 303–312. PMID 11783860.
- ^ Eskenazi B, Bradman A, Castorina R. 1999. Exposures of children to organophosphate pesticides and their potential adverse health effects. Environmental Health Perspectives, Volume 107, Supplement 3, Pages 409–419. PMID 10346990.
- ^ Garcia AM. 2003. Pesticide exposure and women's health. American Journal of Industrial Medicine, Volume 44, Issue 6, Pages 584–594. PMID 14635235.
Moses M. 1989. Pesticide-related health problems and farmworkers. AAOHN 37:115–130 - ^ Schwartz DA, Newsum LA, Heifetz RM. 1986. Parental occupational and birth outcome in an agricultural community. Scandinavian Journal of Work, Environment & Health 12:51–54
- ^ Stallones L, Beseler C. 2002. Pesticide illness, farm practices, and neurological symptoms among farm residents in Colorado. Environ Res 90:89–97
- ^ Strong, LL, Thompson B, Coronado GD, Griffith WC, Vigoren EM, Islas I. 2004. Health symptoms and exposure to organophosphate pesticides in farmworkers. Am J Ind Med 46:599–606
- ^ Van Maele-Fabry G, Willems JL. 2003. Occupation related pesticide exposure and cancer of the prostate: a meta-analysis. Occupational and Environmental Medicine 60(9): 634–642
- ^ Alavanja MC, Hoppin JA, Kamel F. 2004. Health effects of chronic pesticide exposure: cancer and neurotoxicity. Annu Rev Public Health 25:155–197.
- ^ Kamel F, Hoppin JA. 2004. Association of pesticide exposure with neurologic dysfunction and disease. Environ Health Perspect 112:950–958.
- ^ US Environmental Protection Agency (March 27, 2007), Pesticides and food: What the pesticide residue limits are on food. epa.gov. Retrieved on September 15, 2007.
- ^ US Environmental Protection Agency (July 24th, 2007), Setting tolerances for pesticide residues in foods. epa.gov. Retrieved on September 15, 2007.
- ^ Rabideau, Christine L. Multiple Pesticide Exposure: Immunotoxicty And Oxidative Stress 2001
- ^ Pesticide exposure raises risk of Parkinson’s
Ascherio A, Chen H, Weisskopf MG, O'Reilly E, McCullough ML, Calle EE, Schwarzschild MA, Thun MJ (2006). "Pesticide exposure and risk for Parkinson's disease". Annals of Neurology. 60 (2): 197–203. PMID 16802290.{{cite journal}}
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- ^ National Research Council (1993), Pesticides in the Diets of Infants and Children. National Academies Press. ISBN 0-309-04875-3. Retrieved 10-Apr-2006.
- ^ Lu C, Toepel K, Irish R, Fenske RA, Barr DB, Bravo R (2006). "Organic diets significantly lower children's dietary exposure to organophosphorus pesticides.". Environmental Health Perspectives. 114 (2): 260–263. PMID 16451864.
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- ^ a b Pesticide Data Program (February 2006). "Annual Summary Calendar Year 2005" (pdf). USDA. Retrieved 2007-09-15.
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(help) - ^ FoodNews (2006), Test Results: Complete Data Set. Environmental Working Group, ewg.org. Retrieved on September 15, 2007.
- ^ US Environmental Protection Agency (December 1999), Spray Drift of Pesticides. Retrieved on September 15, 2007.
- ^ Noyes K Banish Pesticides from your garden. charityguide.org. Retrieved on September 15, 2007.
- ^ Natural Resources Defense Council (October 1998), Health hazards of pesticides.
- ^ Melissa Lee Phillips (2006 October), Registering Skepticism: Does the EPA's Pesticide Review Protect Children? Environmental Health Perspectives, Volume 114, Issue 10, Pages A592–A595.
- ^ Pulaski A (May 26, 2006), EPA Workers Blast Agency's Rulings on Deadly Pesticides: Letter Sent to EPA Administrator Stephen L. Johnson by Unions Representing 9,000 EPA Scientists]. mindfully.org Retrieved on September 15, 2007.
- ^ BBC News. (February 8, 2007), Pesticides. Retrieved on September 15, 2007.
- ^ a b BBC News (October 1, 1998), Pesticide link to eye abnormalities. Retrieved on September 15, 2007.
- ^ Medline Plus (May 17, 2006), Medical Encyclopedia: Insecticide. Retrieved on September 15, 2007.
- ^ (July 2007), The biological control of pests. Retrieved on September 17, 2007.
- ^ http://history.nasa.gov/SP-401/ch17.htm SP-401 Skylab, Classroom in Space: Part III - Science Demonstrations, Chapter 17: Life Sciences]. history.nasa.gov. Retrieved on September 17, 2007.
Further reading
Books
- Greene, Stanley A.; Pohanish, Richard P. (editors) (2005). Sittig's Handbook of Pesticides and Agricultural Chemicals. SciTech Publishing, Inc. ISBN 0-8155-1516-2.
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has generic name (help)CS1 maint: multiple names: authors list (link) - Hamilton, Denis; Crossley, Stephen (editors) (2004). Pesticide residues in food and drinking water. J. Wiley. ISBN 0-471-48991-3.
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has generic name (help)CS1 maint: multiple names: authors list (link) - Hond, Frank; et al. (2003). Pesticides: problems, improvements, alternatives. Blackwell Science. ISBN 0-632-05659-2.
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(help) - Kegley, Susan E.; Wise, Laura J. (1998). Pesticides in fruits and vegetables. University Science Books. ISBN 0-935702-46-6.
{{cite book}}
: CS1 maint: multiple names: authors list (link) - Watson, David H. (editor) (2004). Pesticide, veterinary and other residues in food. Woodhead Publishing. ISBN 1-85573-734-5.
{{cite book}}
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has generic name (help) - Ware, George W.; Whitacre, David M. (2004). Pesticide Book. Meister Publishing Co. ISBN 1-892829-11-8.
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: CS1 maint: multiple names: authors list (link)
Journal Articles
- Walter A. Alarcon; et al. (July 2005). "Acute Illnesses Associated With Pesticide Exposure at Schools". Journal of the American Medical Association. 294: 455–465.
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(help) - Anderson DW, Hickey JJ, Risebrough RW, Hughes DF, Christensen RE. Significance of chlorinated hydrocarbon residues to breeding pelicans and cormorants. The Canadian Field-Naturalist. 1969; 83:91–112.
News
- Janofsky, Michael (August 4, 2006). "E.P.A. Recommends Limits on Thousands of Uses of Pesticides". New York Times. Retrieved 2006-08-24.
- Janofsky, Michael (2006-08-02). "Unions Say E.P.A. Bends to Political Pressure". New York Times. Retrieved 2006-08-24.
- Jocelyn Kaiser (June 2005). "Endocrine Disrupters Trigger Fertility Problems in Multiple Generations". Science. 308: 1391–1392.
- Jocelyn Kaiser (May 2005). "House Would Foil Human Pesticide Studies". Science. 308: 1234.
- Paul Webster (Dec 2004). "Study Finds Heavy Contamination Across Vast Russian Arctic". Science. 306: 1875.
- Erik Stokstad (Nov 2004). "EPA Criticized for Study of Child Pesticide Exposure". Science. 306: 961.
- Laura Helmuth (Nov 2000). "Pesticide Causes Parkinson's in Rats". Science. 290: 1068.
- David Adam (Nov 2000). "Pesticide use linked to Parkinson's disease". Nature. 408: 125.
External links
General information
- National Pesticide Information Center (NPIC) Information about pesticide-related topics.
- Beyond Pesticides, founded in 1981 as the National Coalition Against the Misuse of Pesticides - Source of information on pesticide hazards, least-toxic practices and products, and on pesticide issues. Website has Daily News Blog relating to pesticides.
- cdms.net. All Supporting Agro-Chemical Manufacturers a list of EPA pesticide labels for pesticides by trade name.
- Compendium of Pesticide Common Names: Classified Lists of Pesticides Lists of pesticide names by type.
- Pesticide Action Network. PAN Pesticides Database. Compilation of multiple regulatory databases into a web-accessible form.
- croplifeamerica.org, US trade association representing the crop protection and pest control industry
- US Geological Survey's National Water-Quality Assessment Program. 1997 pesticide use map Shows estimates of pesticide type and intensity of pesticide use by business of mass food production.
Pesticide regulatory authorities
Human health
- Centers for Disease Control Pesticides. Compiled information on health effects of pesticides.
- NIH encyclopedia pages with emergency treatment of Insecticide exposure
- Durango Software - Provides risk assessment tools for pesticide use
- Environmental Working Group (July 14, 2005), The Pollution in Newborns.
- Pesticide Residues in Food - Data and Summary reports from the USDA on pesticide residues in food sold in the United States.
- Pesticides: Use, Effects, and Alternatives to Pesticides in Schools (pdf) from the United States General Accounting Office
Environment
- Pesticide Action Network UK Aims to minimize pesticide use.
- Streaming online video about efforts to reduce pesticide use in rice in Bangladesh. Windows Media Player [1], Real Player [2]
- Reptile Amphibian & Pesticide (RAP) Database
- Extoxnet.orst.edu. Pesticide Information Profiles Environmentan and health information broken down by type of pesticide