Excessive pesticide usage causes neuro, immune, reproductive system disorders and cancers

1. Noted environmentalist J.V. Ratnam commented that pesticides have been wreaking havoc on the environment. “Only about 1 to 2 per cent pesticides reach the targeted species and the remaining runoff ends up in water bodies, human habitats and other environments, potentially contributing to air and water pollution, soil contamination and ecological disruption. For example, there has been a decline in the honeybee population due to increased pesticide usage. Bees play a crucial role in pollinating crops,” Mr Ratnam said

2. R. Rekha, an Andhra University faculty in Food, Nutrition and Dietetics, said consumption of food with pesticide residues and exposure to the pesticides will cause various health conditions, including nervous system disorders, endocrine abnormalities, cancers, cognitive impairment, difficult reproductive, immune system disorders etc.,

3. For example, exposure to ‘Chlorpyrifos,’ which would be again reviewed in 2018 by the Union Government, has been linked to neurological, developmental and autoimmune disorders.

4. “Soaking the vegetables and fruits in salt water and washing them under tap water thereafter can help remove pesticide residue to a good extent. According to our studies, cauliflower, cabbage, radish and other cruciferous vegetables contain more residues,” Ms Rekha added.

5. Andhra Pradesh (my home state) and Telangana account for a hefty 24 per cent share of pesticide consumption in the country.

http://www.deccanchronicle.com/nation/current-affairs/181016/andhra-pradesh-and-telangana-suffer-from-high-pesticide-residues.html