04
Sep
Scientific Literature Review Again Links Pesticides to a Range of Illnesses and Ecological Decline
(Beyond Pesticides, September 4, 2024) A study in the Journal of Environmental Science and Public Health adds to the body of science that highlights the ecological decline threatening all species as a result of hazardous chemicals in the environment. “When environmental changes undermine a species’ or population’s ability to survive, it is said to be in an ecological crisis,†the authors state. They continue, “Pesticides, particularly persistent organic pollutants (POPs), are among the top ten chemicals and hazardous compounds that the WHO [World Health Organization] has recognized as being a concern for global health. The overuse and improper handling of agrochemicals is the primary driver of the ecological disaster.â€Â Â
The researchers, from the Post Graduate Institute of Medical Education and Research in India, conducted a literature review to look broadly and comprehensively at the range of factors that contribute to adverse health effects (from breast cancer to genotoxic effects, chronic kidney disease, neurotoxicity, and more). They searched PubMed and Google Scholar for studies between 2004-2024 for relevant information on soil health, sustainable agriculture, food security, soil security, and the associations with human health. Their scientific findings lead the authors to conclude that the building of healthy soils will eliminate the need for toxic inputs in land management, resulting in healthier people (see studies here, here, and here), while current reliance on pesticides causes soil health and human health to suffer. Â
“Studies in Northern India have shown evidence of the presence of heavy metals and pesticides in samples of fodder, vegetables, milk, urine, and blood,†the authors say. (See studies here, here, and here.) One study links water contamination from heavy metals and pesticides to increased rates of spontaneous abortions, premature births, and stillbirths that are five times as frequent in comparison to other South Asian countries. Developmental delays, blue lines in the gums, mottled teeth, and gastrointestinal diseases were also noted. These effects occur in areas with groundwater contamination of heptachlor, chlorpyrifos, b-endosulfan, dimethoate, and aldrin that is more than permissible limits (MPL). Â
Higher cancer prevalence is also noted in Punjab. Two studies (linked here and here) show that cancer in the female reproductive system (breast, uterus/cervix and ovary) are more common in one district where levels of heavy metals and pesticides such as heptachlor, ethion, and chlorpyrifos were significantly higher in samples of drinking water, vegetables, and blood. There is a dependence on petrochemical pesticides worldwide that can be attributed to companies selling harmful chemicals, even though safer alternatives exist, while applicators and consumers are unaware of the risks and continue causing harm to the environment and all organisms. Â
According to the researchers, “The three most important environmental problems affecting the globe now are pollution, climate change, and biodiversity loss.†Based on the science, petrochemical pesticides and fertilizers, central to conventional chemical-intensive systems, are contributors to these problems. There is an abundance of scientific, peer-reviewed evidence that shows these chemicals disrupt ecosystems that support and sustain life in addition to negatively influencing human health both directly and indirectly as well as acutely and chronically. Â
Within the soil, pesticides reduce species diversity, which impacts the entire ecosystem and overall biodiversity. Soil biota are important for agricultural productivity, contributing to decomposition, nutrient availability, soil structure, disease control, and in maintaining biological equilibrium within the food web. Biodiversity begins in the soil, which is a living organism itself. Synthetic fertilizers and pesticides kill soil and prevent the symbiosis needed between soil organisms, plants, fungi, bacteria, and insects needed to sustain the base of all food chains.Â
“Human health and wellbeing are significantly impacted by soil,†the authors state. “Soil health means ‘the continued capacity of soil to function as a vital living ecosystem that sustains plants, animals, and humans.’ Healthy soils support a variety of ecosystem-related functions in the environment, including biodiversity, plant-animal productivity, air-water quality maintenance or improvement, and support for human health & habitation.â€Â
Pesticide contamination in the environment leads to contamination in organisms. Agricultural chemical residues are found in soil, water, air, and in the blood, tissue, hair, and urine of humans and wildlife. Many of these chemicals are often lipid soluble compounds and can bioaccumulate in breast milk and fatty tissues.Â
Organic agriculture, as the researchers write, is an alternative solution for reducing the contamination and subsequent negative consequences from dangerous compounds. The mantra of organic agriculture is “Feed the Soil, Not the Plant†to describe that a sustainable system starts with a healthy foundation within the soil. As stated in a previous Beyond Pesticides’ article, organic farming and soil are inextricably linked. The microorganisms in healthy soils interact in a symbiotic manner with plant roots, strengthening the plant, enabling it to resist diseases and facilitating water and mineral uptake. The essence of organic production is maintaining and enhancing the organic matter content of soil by relying on environmentally beneficial methods such as green manure, crop rotation, and biological pest management.Â
Organic practices rely on building soil health to increase biodiversity and carbon sequestration, which in turn helps alleviate climate change. Healthy soil does not require pesticides, which will then not harm human health or the health of any organisms. As stated by Hendrikus Schraven, “lf you have a healthy system, you don’t get diseases. And if you don’t get diseases then you don’t need the pesticides and herbicides to control them. Start with the solution.â€Â Â
The four principles of organic agriculture, as described by Regeneration International, need to include:Â
- Health: Organic agriculture should sustain and enhance the health of soil, plant, animal, human, and planet as one and indivisible. Â
- Ecology: Organic agriculture should be based on living ecological systems and cycles, work with them, emulate them and help sustain them. Â
- Fairness: Organic agriculture should build on relationships that ensure fairness with regard to the common environment and life opportunities. Â
- Care: Organic agriculture should be managed in a precautionary and responsible manner to protect the health and well-being of current and future generations and the environment.Â
There are multiple crises occurring that call for immediate action. As Beyond Pesticides has stated before, organic regenerative agriculture (and organic land management broadly) are pivotal in solving many of the environmental and public health crises we face — biodiversity and pollinator decline; chemical pesticides that cause disease; pollution of water bodies, waterways, and drinking water sources (by tens of thousands of chemicals deployed into the environment); increasing resistance to medically critical antibiotics (caused to great extent by their use in livestock industries); a food system rife with pesticide residues and compromised nutritional value (because of soil maltreatment with synthetic pesticides and fertilizers); and harm to critical ecosystems that provide environmental services that support all life.Â
Learn more about the health and environmental benefits of organic agriculture and land management practices that mitigate the toxic effects of pesticides. Start by buying organic products and growing your own organic food and take action to protect and enhance biodiversity and to keep soil health as an important pillar in the definition of organic agriculture. Stay informed with the latest Action of the Week updates and Daily News and join Beyond Pesticides as a member today!Â
All unattributed positions and opinions in this piece are those of Beyond Pesticides. Â
Source:Â
Thakur, J.S. and Paika, R. (2024) Ecological crisis due to chemical toxicity: Addressing soil health for better human health, Journal of Environmental Science and Public Health. Available at: https://www.fortunejournals.com/articles/ecological-crisis-due-to-chemical-toxicity-addressing-soil-health-for-better-human-health.html.Â
