Advantages and disadvantages of pesticides?

Answer

Advantages of using pesticides

Cost effectiveness

Pesticides are an economical way of controlling pests. They require low labour input and allow large areas to be treated quickly and effectively. It has been estimated that there is a four-fold return on every dollar a farmer spends on pesticides.

Flexibility

A suitable pesticide is available for almost all pest problems with variation in type, activity and persistence.

Quality, quantity and price of produce

Using pesticides means there is a plentiful supply and variety of high quality products at reasonable prices. Modern society demands nutritious food free from damage caused by pests and flowers which look untouched. This would be very difficult without pesticides.

Prevention of problems

Pesticides are often used to stop the spread of pests in imports and exports, preventing weeds in gardens and protecting house and furniture from destruction.

Protection of pets and humans

Under the blanket of pesticides is pet flea products, fly and insect spray and other household products which make life bearable.

Protection of the environment

Currently, weeds are controlled by herbicides, but without them, land would need to be cultivated, increasing land degradation.

Disadvantages of Pesticides

Reduction of beneficial species

Animals which interact with the targeted pest can also be affected by he chemical application. The reduction in these other organisms can result in changes in the biodiversity of an area and affect natural biological balances.

Drift of sprays and vapour

Pesticides can affect other areas during application and can cause severe problems in different crops, livestock, waterways and the general environment. Wildlife and fish are the most affected. Taking special note of weather conditions can reduce drift.

Residues in food

There is the possibility of pesticides in human food, either by direct application onto the food, or by biomagnification along the food line. Not all levels are undesirable but unnecessary and dangerous levels must be avoided through good agricultural practice.

Ground water contamination

Chemicals can reach underground aquifers if there is persistant product use in agricultural areas.

Resistance

Overuse of the same pesticide can encourage resistance in the target pest.

Poisoning hazards

Pesticide operators can risk poisoning through excessive exposure if safe handling procedure are not followed and protective clothing is not worn.

Poisoning risks depend on dose, toxicity, duration of exposure and sensitivity.

Other possible health effects

As pesticides used now have been through rigorous testing, most health problems stem from misuse, abuse or overuse.

Pesticides can be used safely without any undesirable effects although there is always a relative risk associated with it, along with any other activity like driving a car.

Despite the relative risks being low, all users of farm chemicals, whether on a large scale or in the home, have a responsibility to use them correctly.

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