Pesticides, originally designed to get rid of pests, with their improper use bring hidden dangers, casting a shadow on our everyday life and general health. The consequences of mishandling these toxic substances extend far beyond their intended purpose, posing a serious threat to human health, especially among vulnerable groups such as children.
In reality, a single wrong step with pesticides can cause unexpected accidents, affecting not only us but also our loved ones in ways we could never imagine. This problem becomes even more evident in the new video of the BalkanDetox LIFE project, which highlights the urgently needed of awareness and decisive action.
The unforeseen danger
Although traditionally associated with agriculture, pesticides have quietly infiltrated various aspects of our lives. They go beyond agriculture, infiltrating public spaces and entering our homes through everyday objects like paint, carpets and food packaging materials. Whether organic or synthetic, these chemicals use a variety of pest control methods. The intentional release of these toxic substances is a cause for concern, as unexpected exposure becomes a dangerous reality for all of us.
Routes and risks of exposure
Exposure to pesticides occurs through different pathways: occupational, agricultural, domestic and directly through our diet. Among them, dermal exposure stands out as one of the most prevalent and dangerous, creating a hazard during pesticide handling stages such as mixing, removal and cleaning. Accidental oral exposure, with its serious risk of poisoning, can result from intentional poisoning or accidental accidents. Such cases highlight the universal danger of increased contact with pesticides through improperly stored containers or contaminated water sources. The risk of respiratory exposure increases when airborne components of pesticides are inhaled, especially indoors. Eyes are also susceptible to chemical damage, especially when granular forms of pesticides are applied heavily. These multifaceted dangers highlight the growing need for safeguards in our interactions with these substances.
Health consequences that exceed the initial danger
The intriguing connection between chemical exposure and our bodies becomes apparent when we investigate the links between pesticides and various diseases. Scientific research has consistently established a link between pesticide exposure and the development or worsening of serious conditions, including cancer, hormone disruption, asthma, diabetes, allergies, and neurological disorders such as Parkinson’s disease. The impact on health is determined not only by the toxicity of the chemicals but also by the degree of exposure, while certain populations are more susceptible to their harmful effects.
Children and vulnerable groups bear the heaviest burden
In this intriguing web of pesticides, children, pregnant women and the elderly seem to be most susceptible to these harmful effects. Children come out as the most malleable because of their developing bodies, behavior and physiology. Consequences extend to birth malformations, low birth weight and fetal death. Research also reveals a troubling link between pesticide exposure and childhood leukemia, especially when mothers are exposed during pregnancy. An additional layer of concern comes from the genetic susceptibility of some individuals to pesticide-related illnesses, suggesting that some people may be at greater risk than others.
Protection of our health and environment
The impact extends beyond individual health, affecting the well-being of our society, which highlights the need for strict measures to reduce the risks associated with pesticide misuse, especially when it comes to protecting vulnerable groups. Pesticide abuse is not just a local concern; it is a global crisis that requires collective action.
The BalkanDetox LIFE project is dedicated to the fight against illegal wildlife poisoning and pesticide abuse in the Republic of North Macedonia, Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Bulgaria, Croatia, Greece and Serbia. Through the complete research of the project we aim to highlight the long-term effects of pesticide abuse on human health in the Balkans. In addressing these challenges, our way forward is clear: we must foster greater awareness, rethink our choices, and commit to protecting not only our well-being but also our children and our environment.
The project will be implemented until the end of 2025 and received funds from the EU LIFE Program, and is co-financed by the Foundation for the Protection of Vultures, the MAVA Foundation and Euronatur, as well as by the Wheatley Fund for Nature Protection, and the Environment and Energy Fund Efficiency.
