Pesticides threaten children's health

Problems

• Pesticides threaten children's health

  One in five children and adolescents (490 million) globally are potentially exposed to pesticides. 
  
  This estimate includes 112 million children who work in agriculture as child labor. 
  Agriculture accounts for 70 percent of all child labor, and 85 percent of pesticides applied globally are used for agriculture.
  
  In addition, biomonitoring studies in high-income countries show that up to 90 percent of children have detectable pesticides in their bodies, and dietary exposure is identified as a major pathway.
  
  Agricultural, vector control, and domestic pesticide use continue to rise. This widespread use significantly threatens children’s health, as exposure-prevention measures have not kept pace with increasing use. 
  
  Children face exposure through food and water, environmental contamination from spray drift, improper management, and pesticide residues on clothing. 
  
  The continued use of Highly Hazardous Pesticides (HHPs), which present particularly severe acute or chronic hazards, intensifies these risks. 
  
  Antibiotics and fungicides drive antimicrobial resistance and fungicide resistance in the target organisms. Infections with drug-resistant organisms are increasingly difficult to treat and are a growing global problem.
  
  More than one child a day dies from pesticide poisoning. An estimated 375 children die from intentional or unintentional pesticide poisoning annually, according to WHO. 
  
  Studies have linked pesticide exposure to developmental issues, lower IQ, and increased risk of ADHD.
  In the United States rural farming communities and areas near pesticide-sprayed fields, like California’s Central Valley, are particularly affected.
  
  In India, widespread use of hazardous pesticides is sometimes banned in other countries.
  Children in farming villages suffer from acute poisoning, developmental delays, and chronic illnesses.
  
  Brazil is one of the world’s largest consumers of pesticides.
  High levels of pesticide residues in food and water, impact children in rural and urban areas.
  
  In China, heavy pesticide use in agriculture contributes to food contamination.
  Reports of birth defects and developmental disorders linked to pesticide exposure.
  
  In  Indonesia & the Philippines, children of farmers are often exposed due to poor safety measures.
  Pesticide-contaminated water and food contribute to long-term health issues. 
  
  In Mexico, agricultural workers and their families are exposed to high levels of toxic pesticides.
  Children in rural areas show higher rates of neurological and respiratory issues.
  
  In African Nations (e.g., Kenya, South Africa, Ghana) weak regulations allow the use of highly toxic pesticides banned elsewhere.
  Children in farming communities experience poisoning and developmental problems.
  
  In European Union (EU) Countries regulations are stricter, and illegal or excessive pesticide use still occurs.
  Children are exposed to food, water, and imported products from less regulated regions.
  
  In all countries, the health effects of pesticide exposure on children increased cancer risk. 
  
  Stricter regulations, safer alternatives, and better enforcement are needed to reduce these risks.