Name: Mmayen Ewang 2013080049
Date: 15th October, 2013
Teacher’s name: Mr. Forte
Course: SCH4U
What are pesticides?
Pesticides are substances or chemicals used to deter or kill any kind of pest that poses a threat to crops. Such pests may include insects, plant disease, fungi weeds, snails etc. Some uses of pesticides:
They are used to disinfect the kitchen floor or remove mildew on bathroom tiles
Getting rid of weeds
Getting rid of potential diseases.
Effect of pesticides on the environment:
Environmental Effect: Persistent organic pollutants (POPs) enter the environment when pesticides are either carried by winds or washed off crops by rain. The contaminated water enters the soil, and eventually makes its way into our river systems by filtering through the soil or by direct run-off, and finally ends up in the sea. When these pesticides get into water bodies they cause “eutrophication” which is the growth of excess algae in the water . These algae tend to compete with the living aquatic organisms in the water bodies for the available oxygen resulting to the death of some aquatic organisms. POPs do not readily break down; they pollute the air, soil, rivers and lakes, and ultimately marine ecosystems, affecting all living organisms that dwell in these habitats.
Human/Health Effect: Pesticides that have this lethal quality towards insects, animals ,and this animal diseases lead to health problems towards humans as well. The application of pesticides is often not very precise, and unintended exposures occur to other organism in the general area where pesticides are applied. Young and developing organisms like children, are particularly vulnerable to the harmful effects of pesticides; such that even very low levels of exposure during development may have adverse health effect. . Also, over exposure to these pesticides lead to skin problems,
Cited: Albert, B. (2011, May). Pesticides: Their effects, disposal, and alternatives. Retrieved from http://www.villagevolunteers.org/wpcontent/uploads/2011/05/Pesticides.pdf Yang, P. (2012, December 10). The effect of pesticides in our environment and our lives. Retrieved from http://prezi.com/ap5uge7mwkwe/the-effect-of pesticides-in-our-environment-and-our-lives/ Gorsky, A. (2011, JULY 18). Safe use of pesticides and alternatives to pesticides. Retrieved from http://blog.epa.gov/blog/2011/07/safe-use-of-pesticides-and-alternatives-to-pesticides Langley Environmental Partners Society. (n.d.). Alternatives to chemical pesticide. Retrieved from http://www.leps.bc.ca/programs/demonstration-garden/alternative-pesticides Alternatives to using pesticides. (n.d.). Retrieved from http://www.southernstates.com/articles/pesticide-alternatives.aspx Health Canada. (2011, October 25). Pesticides and pest management. Retrieved from http://www.hc-sc.gc.ca/cps-spc/pest/index-eng.php Worley, S. (August, 15 2012). Alternative s to pesticide use. Retrieved from http://modernserenity.com/2011/08/alternatives-to-pesticide-use/