Is a Little Exposure Harmful?
While a little contact with a health hazard may not seem like a big deal, even a small amount of exposure can cause problems for some people. In addition, low doses of a toxin can accumulate over a long period of time.
People are often exposed to small amounts of pesticides—chemicals that keep pests, such as weeds and insects, under control. Scientific studies have found that a variety of health problems are associated with pesticide exposure. For example, one pesticide, chlorpyrifos, has been linked to cognitive development problems in children. Other possible harmful health effects from pesticide exposure include skin irritation, breathing difficulties, reproductive problems (such as birth defects or decreased fertility), and increased risk for some types of cancer.
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Groundbreaking Pesticide Ban
Pesticides are commonly applied to farms, lawns, and gardens, where people can be exposed by touching the ground or plants or by simply breathing. Other sources of exposure include eating fruits and vegetables that have been grown with pesticides, and handling pets that have been treated for fleas and ticks. When all these are added together over time, the amount of exposure can be larger than you realize. Now, click on the left to watch a video about a city that banned the use of pesticides for lawn or garden use.
Where might you be exposed to low levels of pesticides? How might you reduce your exposure to pesticides? Write your response, then click "Save."
