Copyright 2004 by http://www.organicgreens.us and Loring Windblad. This article may be freely copied and used on other web sites only if it is copied complete with all links and text intact and unchanged except for minor improvements such as misspellings and typos. Since Rachel Carson's book, "Silent Spring", warned us in 1962 about
environmental dangers of modern chemicals, pesticicle use has escalated. Pesticides are chemicals that kill certain insects and microorganisms which attack plants. They benefit humankind by combating pests and helping farmers save crops from damage. But some can also damage environment and human health. Regulations try to limit pestlcide hazards
Pesticides may pose an environmental risk by seeping into water (and soil), may become an occupational threat to agricultural workers using them or harm humans who ingest them as they consume food products.
Current regulations for pesticide use test their safety, evaluate and monitor their correct use. Studies determine not only efficacy of a pesticide in decreasing crop damage, but examine whether it can harm environment or human health. These regulations are re-evaluated and changed as new knowledge and experience come in.
Report stresses need to protect children from pesticides
The recently released NAS report gives an in-depth review of current pesticide regulations - their strengths and weaknesses - strongly recommending changes to safeguard health of infants and children. Examining'data on safety of pesticide residues in diets of infants and children, NAS report emphasized fact that "because infants and children are not just little adults" current scientific and regulatory procedures must be improved to ensure that youngsters are protected from unsafe exposure to residues.
The NAS report made following recommendations:
* Collect more complete dietary data on foods eaten by infants and how much they eat. * Include data on non-dietary sources of pesticide exposure such as air, soil, lawns, pets and indoor surfaces. * Research ways in which adults differ from infants and children in processing pesticide residues. * Implement new methods for determining and ensuring food safety and find out who is at most risk from "above average" exposure to pesticides in diet (and other sources).
These recommendations provide basis for changes to pesticide regulatory system which would make sure that food supply remains plentiful yet safe for infants and children. In summary, as pointed out by a pediatrician and professor at New York's Mount Sinai School of Medicine, "the report reveals some serious deficiencies in current regulatory system that need to be corrected," adding that "these should not be cause for alarm."
The report also stresses that parents should continue to feed youngsters a wide variety of fruits, vegetables and juices as they are "good sources of essential vitamins and minerals." The dangers of not eating enough of these foods outweighs any possible harm from pesticide residues in food. Studies so far find pesticide residues in infant and childhood diets "well below tolerance levels set by EPA" (Environmental Protection Agency). The American Academy of Pediatrics affirms that "there is no evidence that pesticides contribute significantly to human cancer risks," adding that "a diet rich in fruits and vegetables is most healthful that children can consume."
Pesticide regulation in Canada
There are approximately 300 pesticide chemicals registered in Canada for use in foods. The Pest Control Products (PCP) Act and Regulations governs their sale and use in Canada. Although Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada are responsible for administering this act, three different federal departments share in regulatory process.
