15. Pesticides often don't just
kill the target pest.
Beneficial insects in and
around the fields can be
poisoned or killed, as can
other animals eating
poisoned insects.
Pestcides can also kill soil
microorganisms.
16. These chemicals don't just stay on the fields
they are applied to. Some application
methods – such as pesticide spraying by
aeroplane – lead to pollution of land and
rivers.
17.
18. Fertilizers are not directly toxic. Their most
dramatic effect is eutrophication – resulting in
an explosive growth of algae due to excess
nutrients. This depletes water of dissolved
oxygen, which in turn can kill fish and other
aquatic life.
19. Pesticides have been linked to a wide range
of human health problems, ranging from
short-term impacts such as headaches and
nausea to chronic impacts like cancer.
Children are particularly susceptible.
20.
21.
22. We need to make our food, our air, our
water, and our soil free from toxic chemicals.
Organically grown foods and sustainable
methods of pest control.
23. Protect our children.
Pesticide use should be prohibited in places
where our children live and play, including
schools, parks, and playgrounds. Require
strict non-toxic pest management programs
for such places.
