Synthetic fertilizers and pesticides have some adverse impacts on human health. Even though these products are widely used to increase the food production. But, Unfortunately, they can also have a negative impact on human health. In fact, the excess use of these chemicals is associated with an increased risk of developing certain health risks.
The most important thing you can do to protect yourself from these harmful chemicals is to eat organic foods. Eating organic is one of the best ways you can reduce your exposure to pesticides and other toxic chemicals found in much non-organic produce and processed foods.
What are pesticides and fertilizers?
Pesticides and fertilizers are substances that are sprayed on plants to prevent pests, increase production, etc. They’re used in farming to help plants grow healthier and faster. But pesticides and fertilizers aren’t just found on farms. They can also be found in many of the foods we eat. Non-organic produce is often treated with these chemicals so it can last longer before spoiling.
When you eat non-organic produce, you might be absorbing these pesticides and fertilizers through your skin. This could lead to negative health effects like increased risk for developing certain cancers, reproductive issues, neurological problems, etc.
Classification of fertilizers
Fertilizers are classified into the following groups:
1- Compost
Composted farm waste is continually broken down and applied back into fields. These nutrients are then utilized by most farming operations. However, these nutrients are anything but an “algae meal,” as the most concentrated form of these nutrients is ammonia. By consuming this nutrient, plants grow very vigorously and bloom out. But it is also a fact that Ammonia is a potent greenhouse gas and should be avoided.
2- Chemicals
This category is simply fertilizers made with three or more of the aforementioned synthetic chemicals. These fertilizers were common, but have not become mainstream since the 1990s in many countries. There are thousands of these products and it is difficult to determine which are of improved quality.
Fertilizers are used extensively because they are easily accessible and affordable. Environmental activists claim it increases pests however, these claims are not justified. But it is fact that chemical fertilizers are directed in high concentrations and pollute the waters. These chemicals are applied and then released into streams and eventually autumn showers. Environmental activists call this ‘eco-terrorism.
Synthetic fertilizers as a pollutant
Synthetic fertilizers need to be applied with special equipment. Their application is unsafe for the average person, according to the Environmental Defense Fund (EDF). When used wrongly (no amount is too little), noxious chemicals are released into the air, and drinking water can become contaminated. The friendly-sounding name is actually derived from their source: carbon, not oxygen.
Soil testing companies confirm that fertilizers are indeed being mixed into the soil. The oversight of certification is vital to protect the public from being deceived. The Environmental Defense Fund (EDF) believes poorly regulated fertilizers are causing pollution and deaths in developing countries. Fertilizers are mixed into agricultural fields because they produce more crops per acre than conventional crops.
Lack of farming knowledge and farmer attitudes towards field-farming combine to produce deadly fertilizer pollution. Since little research has been done, the experts do not recommend the use of chemical fertilizers in food-producing areas.
Synthetic fertilizers and health problems
Synthetic fertilizers have been linked to several diseases such as lymphatic, endocrine, and neurological disorders. Some studies suggest adverse impacts on humans when consuming synthesized compounds in food. Exposure to fertilizers has been found to cause vomiting, diarrhea, headaches, bad vision, headaches, dizziness, nausea, fatigue, blurred vision, muscular cramps, headaches, and gastrointestinal issues.
Environmental activists claim osmosis will be compromised by the use of synthetic fertilizers. To make matters worse, osmosis is a measure of water chemistry, defined as the number of hydrogen compounds in solutions or solids at any one time. Agreeing to add a synthetic brand of product to the water supply could impair the natural balance of water chemistry.
Who pays for it? The polluter, of course, Fertilizers are essentially a form of “poison.” All of us as consumers, buy our food and water from companies that use synthetic fertilizers. Therefore, we are indirectly benefitting companies that poison our water by purchasing their product. Improper fertilization practices adversely affect aquatic life and ultimately new life forms of plants and animals.
How to identify organic foods
What exactly qualifies a food as organic? For starters, it must be made without pesticides or fertilizers. Organic produce also cannot be genetically modified in any way.
The best way to identify organic foods is by looking for the “certified organic” label. This means that it has been certified by a recognized government agency to meet the standards set out by the reputed food authorities. The label will also indicate what certifying body has approved it.
You can also look for other telltale signs that a food might be organic, like if there is a seal on the packaging that indicates its certification and what certifying body has done so or if there are images of plants or animals on the package.
What can companies do to minimize the use of chemicals?
The most important thing companies can do to minimize the use of these chemicals is to buy organic produce. Buying organic foods reduces your exposure to pesticides and other harmful chemicals.
Other ways you can reduce your contact with these chemicals is by eating a plant-based diet, choosing produce labeled “pesticide-free,” or buying from the dirty dozen list.
However, many people don’t have access to a wide variety of healthy food choices. So, some companies are choosing to reduce their reliance on fertilizers and pesticides by growing more crops in the ground instead of hydroponically, or they’re turning to new technologies that better protect plants from pests.
How to be more environment-friendly
There are many things you can do to be an environment-friendly consumer
To start, it’s important for you to know what pesticides and fertilizers are and how harmful they are to your health. You want to minimize your exposure to these harmful substances, so eating organic is one of the best ways to do that. Organic foods use natural methods like crop rotation, biological pest control, and composting instead of pesticides and fertilizers. As a result, these food don’t contain any toxic ingredients or contaminants like antibiotics or hormones from livestock feed or genetically modified organisms (GMOs).
Organic foods also help reduce environmental pollution. Because they’re grown without synthetic fertilizers, which may lead to runoff into local streams and oceans damaging aquatic life and wildlife habitats.
Conclusion
Pesticides and fertilizers are used in farming to help protect crops from weeds, insects, or bacteria. They are often used in tandem, with one acting as a protective barrier for the other. While these chemicals are meant to help farmers grow healthier crops, they can have devastating consequences for human health. The use of synthetic fertilizers is harmful to human health. It is contaminating the surface water which causes health issues for humans.
Organic food is grown without the use of pesticides or fertilizers, so it’s a healthier alternative. Companies can minimize the use of these chemicals by implementing more sustainable farming methods, such as crop rotation and other similar modern techniques.