Herbicides are quickly becoming one of the world’s soaring concerns. The cocktail of herbicides is pervading the global sales with surging consumption and has become the most produced agrochemical in the world. This is undoubtedly threatening to animal health and the stability of global ecosystems upon which life depends.
TOPICS TO EXPLORE
Status of Herbicides in India
The Ministry of Agriculture under the Government of India regulates the export, import, sale and use of pesticides including herbicides in the country within the scope of the Insecticides act of 1968. Hazardous herbicides which are banned in other countries for their toxic effects are assertively being dumped into the Indian markets by many manufacturing companies. India lacks a robust regulatory mechanism for herbicide use. Farming communities are exploited and subjected to the hazards of these toxic chemicals and are risking their lives. Their unbridled use in the country threatens public health.
Herbicide Exposure and Human Health Issues
Many studies have linked herbicides to the depletion of human health, they have been largely phased out by many countries, but are still being used in some. Through digestion, inhalation or physical contact, as well as from exposure to harmful droplets, herbicides can have a negative impact on human health. It can potentially cause severe abrupt health problems, chronic health issues, and even death in exposed individuals.
Herbicides and Environmental issues
Uncontrollable use of herbicides poses greater risks to not only human beings but to the biosphere. It has been shown to induce negative impacts on soil community, animals, aquatic systems and plant diversity. Want to read more about its impacts on environment?