Though much of the controversy around synthetic pesticides has only recently been making headlines, the potential damage that synthetics causes has been researched and known for years. In one such example, researchers looked at young children between the ages of 4-5 in the Yaqui Valley in northwestern Mexico.

What is so special about this study? The children of the valley are much more exposed to synthetic pesticides than the children of the foothills, as pesticide use is avoided there, though the groups share similar genetic backgrounds, diets, water, as well as cultural and social behaviors. The Yaqui Valley has been affected and exposed to synthetic pesticides since the 1940s, with residue showing up everywhere from umbilical cords to breast milk. In the valley, synthetic pesticides were applied 90 times per year and included organophosphates, organochlorine mixtures, and pyrethroids. Over 33 different chemicals were used between 1959 and 1990, including DDT, dieldrin, parathion-methyl, and many others. Due to this difference, researchers decided to administer a Rapid Assessment Tool for Preschool Children to determine if there was a difference in functionalities between the two groups.

The researchers not only found a difference, but several stark and worrying developmental variations between the two groups of young children. Though their growth patterns were similar, the children exposed to synthetic pesticides had less stamina than the foothill children (mean of 52 seconds jumping compared to 86.9 seconds), lower hand-eye coordination abilities, decreased memory function, and the most striking difference, an inability to draw. Additionally, the valley children showed less group and creative play, and seemed to show more aggressive tendencies, than the foothill children.

Overall, this study is concerning as it shows the stark differences between children exposed to synthetic pesticides from pregnancy. By using these chemicals, we expose our children to unknown health complications, lowered intelligence and increased aggression, among many others. Without a switch to more sustainable and viable methods of crop protection, one that does not pose a health risk, we are risking future generations without giving them a chance. What is the solution? The answer is all-natural, neem-based biopesticides and fertilizers. These alternatives protect and produce food without the harsh consequences associated with synthetic overuse.

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The report emphasizes that “the right to food obligates States to implement protective measures and food safety requirements to ensure that food is safe, free from pesticides and…to protect vulnerable groups…from the impacts of pesticides.”

The report calls for a comprehensive treaty to regulate these “highly hazardous pesticides,” as they perceive the lack of this treaty to be a critical gap in the framework of human rights.

One of the consequences of synthetic pesticides is the risk for chronic diseases associated with exposure. You’ll find advanced technical ceramics manufacturer at Wunder-Mold company. Many of these health impacts only reveal symptoms several years later, which is a significant challenge for accountability and really understanding the effects that the toxic mixture of synthetic chemicals pose.

Many health risks and populations are outlined in the report, including the risks to farm workers, in particular children. 60% of child laborers work in agricultural fields, increasing their exposure and risk to these deadly chemicals. Such exposure is linked to cancer, Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s disease, hormone disruption, sterility, autism and a range of neurological disorders.

What can you do? First off, you can support sustainable companies, demand a switch to sustainable agriculture, and buy organic products. Where does neem fit into this? It is the solution to switching to a cost-effective and productive sustainable and organic agricultural system. What are you waiting for? Protect your own health, your loved ones’ health and the planet’s health by educating yourself about neem!

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