A pesticide is any substance or mixture of substances designed to prevent, destroy, or control pests. The use of pesticides has been dated back to the beginning of agriculture, which was about 10,000 years ago in the Fertile Crescent. However, pesticides have not always been an organic compound. The first generation of pesticides was composed of inorganic substances, such as sulfur, mercury, lead, arsenic (calcium arsenate and lead arsenate), and ash. The modern era of pesticides was developed in 1940, around the time of World War II. Organochlorine compounds, such as dichlorodiphenyltrichloroethane (DDT), was the first synthetic organic pesticide to be introduced. These pesticides quickly replaced the inorganic pesticides because they were
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Glyphosate is beneficial to society by serving a purpose of ensuring weeds are removed and crop production is not compromised. However, as glyphosate is sprayed on plants, it eventually ends up in our bodies. A study detected 44% of people from 18 European countries to show residues of glyphosate in a urine test. Our body is exposed to this herbicide when we consume GM sugar, corn, soy, and wheat. These products are found in processed food. Glyphosate can become concerning to society if people are exposed to enough of it, resulting in a disruption in normal body functions and risks of disease. The most effective method to reduce glyphosate intake is to switch to organic foods, with the USDA 100% Organic …show more content…
Thus, glyphosate is considered harmful to human health, society, and the environment. However, the harmful effects of glyphosate can be avoided, or minimized, if it were to be used correctly. Therefore, stronger precautions must be taken to reduce the risks. In addition, farmers should be protected and also trained on how to effectively use these herbicides. Spreading awareness should be a step to inform people of the risks. By informing society of the risks of their food choices, this would help them make the right decisions for their health. Lastly, more research should be funded to search for a less harmful alternative to
Glyphosate is beneficial to society by serving a purpose of ensuring weeds are removed and crop production is not compromised. However, as glyphosate is sprayed on plants, it eventually ends up in our bodies. A study detected 44% of people from 18 European countries to show residues of glyphosate in a urine test. Our body is exposed to this herbicide when we consume GM sugar, corn, soy, and wheat. These products are found in processed food. Glyphosate can become concerning to society if people are exposed to enough of it, resulting in a disruption in normal body functions and risks of disease. The most effective method to reduce glyphosate intake is to switch to organic foods, with the USDA 100% Organic …show more content…
Thus, glyphosate is considered harmful to human health, society, and the environment. However, the harmful effects of glyphosate can be avoided, or minimized, if it were to be used correctly. Therefore, stronger precautions must be taken to reduce the risks. In addition, farmers should be protected and also trained on how to effectively use these herbicides. Spreading awareness should be a step to inform people of the risks. By informing society of the risks of their food choices, this would help them make the right decisions for their health. Lastly, more research should be funded to search for a less harmful alternative to