The Effects of Chemical Fertilizers on Health

Chemical pesticides can have far-reaching effects on human health. They can contaminate the quality of surface water and groundwater, as well as cause toxicity within most individuals who consume pesticide-sprayed fruits and vegetables. Since most farmers use these fertilizers on their farm, animals receive first-hand exposure to these toxins--thus causing people who ingest non-organic meat products to experience pesticide toxicity, too.

Pesticide Irritations

• Pesticides can trigger irritations of the eyes, skin, nose and throat. Irritations include burning, itching, rashes, stinging and blistering. These chemicals can also cause diarrhea, vomiting and nausea, headaches, wheezing and coughing.

  Pesticides seep into groundwater and soil. Exposure to these pesticides can occur from drinking unfiltered water, eating contaminated fish, working next to contaminated soil while planting or harvesting crops, or from handling the contaminated soil.

Acute Toxicity

• Sometimes immediate exposure to pesticides can set off respiratory problems, nervous system disorders and irritate pre-existing ailments such as asthma. Symptoms can range from mild irritations to death.

The Quality of Water

• The pesticide nitrate is commonly found in groundwater.

  Surface water and groundwater are often affected by chemical pesticides. Nitrate, a chemical pesticide used in farming, is used worldwide and is the most prevalent contaminant of groundwater in the United States.

Pesticides and Other Disorders

• Pesticide exposure is also linked to other chronic disorders and illnesses--such as endocrine disruptions, behavioral impairments, cancer, reproductive disorders and learning and developmental disabilities.

Misdiagnosed

• Pesticide poisoning is often misdiagnosed because the symptoms are very similar to those caused by other illnesses.