To some consumers, the problems with pesticides may seem apparent, but for farmers these chemicals can be a livelihood. "Pesticides" commonly refers to a number of herbicides, insecticides, defoliants and a variety of chemical substances that prevent, repel or destroy organisms. They are used for a variety of residential, commercial and industrial purposes, including the facilitation of more cost-effective and larger scale farming.
In most modern countries, the use of pesticides for agriculture and food is regulated by government groups like the Environmental Protection Agency in the U.S. Despite these regulations, many consumers think of pesticides as hazardous chemicals that may be endangering them.
The recently released United States Department of Agriculture 2012 study of pesticides in human food found that more than 99 percent of the products sampled were found to contain chemical traces well below the EPA-regulated levels. The report concluded that "U.S. food does not pose a safety concern based upon pesticide residues."
But, as a New York Times opinion piece exemplified, many still find the use of pesticides with food troubling and dangerous. Opinion columnist and food writer Mark Bittman pointed to the damage pesticides can have on animals, plant life and humans. Pesticides can even cause disease in those who apply the the chemicals, and several major medical association recommend against pesticide contact for young children and pregnant women. Bittman also noted that pesticides have been found in the majority of people's systems and natural waterways in the U.S. – although not at dangerous levels – to underscore their prevalence in our culture.
Advocates of pesticide use do not only find the chemicals safe for agricultural use but also necessary for large scale farming. Cornell University's Program on Breast Cancer and Environmental Risk Factors explained that many people think that pesticides are required to feed people across the world.
"Supporters argue that pesticide use is necessary to keep the cost of food production low and to maintain an abundant, affordable supply of fruits and vegetables in the market," the program explained. "For example, pesticides can help prevent some types of food poisonings. Food that is damaged by insects is more easily attacked by mold. Pesticides that prevent insect-damage also help prevent the growth of a mold that produces a natural, but potent cancer-causing poison called aflatoxin in food."
Follow recommended practices
Whether people support the use of pesticides in farming or wary of their existence, most can agree on responsible use as the best practice for preventing any harmful side effects.
As a consumer, the best thing people can do is limit their exposure to pesticides and take extra precautions with susceptible foods. The EPA created and monitors "tolerances," or safe levels, for how much of a specific pesticide may be in food. The foods that are sometimes found to be above these tolerances in low numbers include mostly fruits and vegetables.
Cornell advised washing fruit and vegetables with soap and water to remove pesticides. Peeling the food or trimming of the sides can also be effective. A diet rich in a variety of foods can also help diversify chemical intake if any remain on the food.
For farmers, the most important thing is to follow regulations for pesticide use and application. This will not only help keep food safe to consume when it gets to the market, but it will also help lessen the likelihood of adverse interactions while on the farm.
The best defense against pesticides in food or other crops is government regulation and oversight – this can help the environment, food safety and the health of both farmers and consumers.
