Wonders of Chemistry Final Poject

The presentation is about the impact of pesticides on health and the environment. Pesticides are important for agriculture and pest control, but they also pose risks. They can affect human health, contaminate soil and water, harm non-target organisms, and contribute to pollution. Agricultural workers, rural communities, and children are most affected. Studies show that pesticide poisoning is a significant issue, and pesticides can be found in food products. The challenges include direct and indirect exposure risks, biodiversity loss, soil and water contamination, and resistance development. Preventative measures include safe handling, alternative methods, and proper training. In case of exposure, decontamination and immediate medical assistance are crucial. Pesticides have been linked to cancer, neurological disorders, and reproductive issues. A surprising fact is that pesticide residues are found in 70% of produce sold in the US. Pesticides are also present in drinking water, raising Hello, and good afternoon. My name is Elijah Nunez, presenting the final project for the Wonders of Chemistry. The title of my project is The Impact of Pesticides on Health and Environment. Why pesticides? Pesticides play a critical role in agriculture and pest control, but also pose significant risks to human health and the environment. My choice to focus on pesticides is driven by the dual nature of their impact while they are essential for maintaining crop yields and managing vector-borne diseases. They also contribute to various health issues and environmental problems. Through this presentation, I aim to explore the complex relationship between pesticide use and its impacts. This includes discussing how they affect human health, their ecological footprint, and examining the measures that can mitigate their negative effects. My goal is to provide a comprehensive overview that not only educates, but also encourages thoughtful discussion on sustainable practices. Type of hazard. Chemical hazards are substances that pose a risk to health, safety, or the environment due to their chemical properties. These hazards can manifest through exposure routes such as inhalation, ingestion, or skin contact, leading to chronic health effects. The danger of pesticides can change a lot based on what kind they are, how much is used, and how long people or the environment are exposed to them. The risks from pesticides don't just affect the pests they are meant to kill. They can also harm other living things, including humans. So pesticides can spread into the soil, water, and air and can accidentally affect plants and animals that weren't meant to be targeted. This can cause many different environmental problems. Background information on pesticides. Pesticides are chemicals designed to control pests that threaten agriculture, homes, and public health. They include various types such as herbicides for weeds, insecticides for insects, and fungicides for fungi. Uses of pesticides. Agriculture. Pesticides help protect crops from pests and diseases, leading to higher crop yields and more reliable food production. Residential. In homes and gardens, pesticides manage pests like ants, cockroaches, and weeds. Public health. Pesticides are critical in controlling disease-carrying pests like mosquitoes and ticks. Affected populations and statistics. Who is affected by pesticides? The main people that are affected by pesticides are agricultural workers, rural communities, and children. Farmers and farm workers are the most directly exposed to pesticides through handling and application. They are at a higher risk of pesticide-related illness. People living near farms or agriculture fields are often exposed to pesticides through drift, during application, or through contaminated water sources. And in due to their size and developmental stage, children are particularly vulnerable to the harmful effects of pesticides even at a lower exposure level. Statistics on pesticide exposure. According to studies, agricultural workers in the United States experience hundreds of pesticide poisoning incidents every year, leading to a range of health issues from skin irritations to more severe chronic conditions. Globally, pesticide poisoning affects millions with a significant number of cases leading to long-term health problems or fatalities. Environmental statistics. Pesticides contribute to about 30% of the pollution in streams and rivers in key agricultural regions, affecting aquatic life and potentially contaminating drinking water. Recent surveys have found pesticide residues in over 50% of food products tested in supermarkets, raising concerns about dietary exposure. Challenges posed by pesticide use. Health challenges. Direct exposure risks, handlers, sprayers, and farm workers face risks from inhaling pesticides or absorbing them through the skin during application. This can lead to acute poisoning symptoms such as headaches, dizziness, nausea, and in severe cases, long-term health effects like respiratory problems or maybe even cancer. Indirect exposure. Residents living near treated fields may be exposed to pesticide drift, a process where pesticides are carried by the wind to nearby areas, potentially causing health problems for the community. Environmental challenges. Biodiversity loss. Pesticides can kill a wide range of non-target feces, including beneficial insects like bees and butterflies, which are crucial for pollination. Soil and water contamination. Pesticides can leach into the soil and water bodies, affecting the quality and safety of both and harming aquatic life. Resistance development. Pesticides can develop resistance to pesticides, leading to a need for stronger and potentially more hazardous chemicals to achieve the same level of control. Preventative measures. Safe handling and application. Use of gloves, masks, and goggles and protective clothing to reduce direct exposure during pesticide application is one way to save yourself from, you know, getting sick or things of that nature. And then proper training, ensuring that all pesticide handlers are trained in safe application techniques and understand the importance of following label instructions, right? Alternative methods, less harmful methods such as biological control, using natural predators, mechanical control like traps, and cultural practices like crop rotation to reduce reliance on chemical pesticides. Treatment and survival after exposure. Immediate response to pesticide poisoning. Decontamination. Quickly remove any contaminated clothing and wash the exposed skin thoroughly with soap and water to reduce absorption. It's crucial to seek professional medical assistance immediately, even if symptoms are not yet apparent. Prompt treatment is essential for recovery when exposed to pesticides. Used in cases of ingestion to absorb pesticides and prevent absorption in the bloodstream. Some pesticides have specific antidotes that can counteract the effects. For example, Anthropine is often used to treat organ phosphate pesticides, poisoning, associated diseases or disorders, potential skin and eye irritation, respiratory problems, and neurological symptoms. Immediate reactions can include rashes, blisters, and eye irritation. Also, inhalation can cause coughing, wheezing, and in severe cases, respiratory distress, and exposure can lead to headaches, dizziness, seizures, and high levels can cause fatal outcomes. Chronic health effects such as cancer and reproductive issues. Exposure to certain pesticides has been linked to various types of cancer such as lymphoma and leukemia. There is evidence linking pesticide exposure to disorders like Parkinson's disease and Alzheimer's, and pesticides can affect reproductive health leading to issues such as infertility and birth defects. Surprising fact or real life example. Did you know that studies have found that nearly 70% of produce sold in the U.S. contains pesticide residues even after washing? This fact highlights the pervasive nature of pesticides in our food supply and underscores the importance of ongoing vigilance and regulation. Pesticides in drinking water. A study conducted by the U.S. Geological Survey found that more than 90% of water samples from urban streams contain pesticides. Even more concerning is that multiple pesticides are often found together which can potentially lead to compound effects that are not fully understood. This widespread contamination raises significant concerns about the safety of drinking water and the cumulative health effects on populations. That is all for my final project and I hope you enjoy. Thank you.