Before Consuming Food Must Free From Pesticides and Insecticides

Once you think over chemical residues, beyond limits can threat to health

Pesticides and insecticides are chemicals used in agriculture and other settings to control pests that may harm plants, animals, or humans. They are part of a larger class of chemicals intended to protect crops, control insects, and prevent disease transmission. There is no doubt that they are beneficial in protecting our agricultural products, but they may come at the cost of our health and environment.

• Pesticides: Pesticides are chemicals used to kill, repel, or control certain types of plant or animal life that are considered pests. Pests can be insects, weeds, fungi, rodents, bacteria, and other organisms that harm crops, livestock, or human health. Based on their target, pesticides are classified into various types as follows
• Herbicides: Used to control or kill unwanted plants or weeds.
• Insecticides: Used to kill or manage insects.
• Fungicides: Target fungi and mold that can cause disease in plants.
• Rodenticides: Used to control rodents like rats and mice.
• Bactericides: Target harmful bacteria.
• Insecticides: Insecticides are a type of chemicals that is used to kill or control insects that damage crops, spread diseases, or cause other problems. Insecticides can be classified based on their mode of action, such as systemic insecticides, which are absorbed by plants and thus toxic to any insect that feeds on them.
• Contact insecticides kill insects when they come into direct contact with the chemical, whereas ingested insecticides must be consumed by the insect to be effective. Insecticides can be classified further according to their chemical composition as follows:
• Organochlorines: A group of chemicals that comprise of chlorine and carbon. Long-lasting insecticides like DDT, now banned in many countries due to environmental and health concerns.
• Organophosphates: Widely used, but highly toxic to both insects and humans.
• Carbamates: Carbamates are insecticides that, like similar structure to organophosphates, inhibit acetylcholinesterase. However, they are less toxic because their effects wear off faster, lowering long-term health risks.
• Pyrethroids: Synthetic chemicals that mimic natural insect-killing compounds found in chrysanthemums.
• Neonicotinoids: A newer class of insecticides that chemically similar to nicotine and it affects the nervous system of insects.

What are the harmful effects of pesticides and insecticides chemicals

Short-term (Acute) Effects:

Overuse of pesticides and insecticides transforms a solution into a threat, rendering agricultural products toxic rather than nutritious. Acute pesticide poisoning can occur if someone ingests, inhales, or comes into direct contact with high concentrations of these chemicals. Some pesticides, particularly organophosphates and carbamates, can disrupt the nervous system, resulting in confusion, weakness, convulsions, and even coma. Some harmful symptoms could include:

• Nausea and vomiting
• Dizziness or headaches
• Skin rashes or irritation
• Difficulty breathing or chest tightness
• Blurred vision or eye irritation

Long-term (Chronic) Effects:

Excessive pesticide and insecticide use in agriculture is a silent killer, endangering crop health as well as human safety. Long-term, repeated pesticide exposure can raise serious health concerns. 

• Cancer: Some pesticides have been classified as probable or possible carcinogens. Studies have found links between pesticide exposure and cancers such as leukaemia, lymphoma, prostate cancer, and breast cancer.
• Endocrine Disruption: Certain pesticides can act as endocrine disruptors, interfering with hormone function. This can cause reproductive problems, developmental issues in children, and diseases such as thyroid disease.
• Neurological Disorders: Prolonged exposure to certain pesticides has been linked to neuro-degenerative diseases such as Parkinson’s and Alzheimer’s. Pesticides can damage the brain’s dopamine-producing cells, exacerbating these conditions.
• Reproductive and Developmental Issues: Pesticides can harm the reproductive system, leading to issues like infertility, birth defects, or miscarriages. Pregnant women and young children are particularly vulnerable to these effects.
• Respiratory Issues: Continuous inhalation of pesticide residues can lead to chronic respiratory diseases such as asthma or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).
• Immune System Suppression: Some pesticides may weaken the immune system, making individuals more susceptible to infections and diseases.

Environmental Contamination:

Unchecked pesticide and insecticide use in farming not only harms pests, but it can also devastate the environment and endanger human lives. Pesticides can leach into soil and water, contaminating them. Consuming contaminated water can pose long-term health risks. Pesticides can accumulate in the tissues of animals and fish, causing bio-accumulation. Humans eating these contaminated foods may be exposed to high levels of pesticides.

How can reduce their exposure to pesticides and insecticides in fruits and vegetables?

Some effective tips include implementing daily routines that reduce pesticide and insecticide intake and promote a healthier diet. Thus, households can reduce exposure to pesticides and insecticides while consuming agricultural products by adopting the following practices:

• Thorough Washing: Wash fruits and vegetables under running water to remove surface residues. Scrubbing with a brush can further eliminate traces on tougher produce like potatoes, carrots, and cucumbers.
• Soak in Salt or Baking Soda Solution: Soaking produce in a solution of water mixed with salt or baking soda for 10-15 minutes helps break down and remove pesticide residues more effectively.
• Peeling and Trimming: Removing the skin or outer layers of fruits and vegetables, such as lettuce or cabbage leaves, can eliminate pesticide residues that are not easily washed away.
• Certified Organic Products or Organic farming: When possible, choose organic fruits and vegetables, as these are grown without synthetic pesticides and insecticides, reducing exposure significantly.
• Grow Your Own Food: If you have the space, consider growing your own fruits, vegetables, or herbs at home to promote a kitchen garden. This provides complete control over the chemicals used in the growing process.
• Select Seasonal and Local Produce: Always local and in-season produce typically requires fewer pesticides since they are better suited to the natural climate. Buying from local farmers who use fewer chemicals is also a good option.
• Cook Thoroughly: Cooking food at higher temperatures can help break down certain pesticide residues, reducing potential exposure.
• Store Food Properly: Store fruits and vegetables in clean, dry conditions to avoid contamination or pesticide cross-contact.

What does Cultivator Phyto Lab do for residue testing?

Cultivator Phyto Lab Pvt. Ltd. is a world-class laboratory that tests residues (pesticides and insecticides) in food and agricultural products. Currently, we cover more than 600 pesticide analyses in various food and agriculture products. Our scientific professionals and analysts are experts at analysing residues using national and international methodologies while adhering to regulatory requirements.