Pesticides: The Consequences

Some pests can be genetically resistant to the toxic substances of the pesticides

Pests are one of the biggest annoyances when it comes to crops and taking care of your home. Currently there are several methods to control them; however, one of the most effective will always be extermination with chemicals such as pesticides. They are probably very useful, but have you thought about the consequences that the components of these powerful products can have?  

Always thinking about the needs of its customers, ITerminate brings you the possible effects that the indiscriminate use of pesticides can have on health, food and even pests.

Pesticide resistance

In recent years, a large insect population with less genetic sensitivity to the toxic components of pesticides has appeared. In some cases, pesticides eliminate the weakest community and leave alive those that are resistant to toxins and will reproduce, resulting in more significant pesticide-resistant populations of insects.

Likewise, pesticides have been one of the agents that have generated the pests genetic modifications. The improper use of insecticides creates resistance to the component of that specific substance and also to other products of the same chemical group, which can complicate the work of a professional exterminator.

Ecosystem alteration and pollution

Pesticides are pollutants that carry high risks to the environment. Many of these chemicals are part of the persistent organic pollutants, compounds that do not undergo degradation and are highly toxic.

Because of their persistence, these chemicals often accumulate over time in the areas where they were used. Due to their low solubility and lipid concentration they can also gather more easily in the fatty tissues of animals such as fish. Likewise, this characteristic affects the entire food chain: animals eat other contaminated animals and the accumulation of chemicals increases.

In addition to affecting the food chain with the accumulation of toxins, pesticides can kill other beneficial life forms including the natural enemies of pests. This also may result in the population of other animals that were not considered pests are increasing as the organisms that kept them under control no longer exist.

Regarding contamination, thanks to their characteristics, pesticide components can remain in food and move quickly through the water, soil, and air, putting the lives of animals, plants, and humans at risk.

Health Risks

The use of pesticides poses a severe health risk. The World Health Organization estimates that there are 3 million cases of pesticide poisoning and 250,000 deaths from the use of these chemicals.

Adverse effects in humans may occur by skin contact, direct ingestion of the product or through food and water, and inhalation. This pesticide consumption can cause two types of intoxication: chronic intoxication, which can take even years to manifest and generates various kinds of diseases such as cancer; and acute poisoning, in which symptoms are more immediate and can cause from headaches to death.

Despite the good results of conventional pesticides, the adverse effects they can have on our environment must always be taken into account. If you have doubts about the best solution to treat any pest, it is best to call experts who can give you the best information, the best advice, and the best alternatives.

In these cases, you can call ITerminate, experts in pest extermination with eco-friendly methods. Don't hesitate to follow them through their social networks to keep up to date on all the pest control issues.

Although efficient in killing pests, pesticides can be a health hazard.

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