Environmental Justice
Action in Southern Africa
|
Environmental Justice
Action in Southern Africa |
|
The
household toxic tour The garden shed
Pesticides Pesticides are not only poisonous to
insects but are also poisonous to humans and animals.
Overseas studies have shown that young children, have an increased risk
of getting leukaemia if they live in a home where pesticides are often used,
either in the home or garden. Childhood brain cancer has also been linked to the
use of some pesticides. Pesticides
can affect us if we breathe them in or if we come into skin contact with them.
Common pesticides used in gardens (for
example, weed killers and aphid killers) include many harmful chemicals such
chemicals as chlorpyrifos and methoxychlor.
These chemicals can affect the brain and nerve development in children and can
harm pets. Lawn sprays can cause an increase in cancer in children.
Children growing up in gardens which are treated with pesticides have a
greater risk of developing tumours called sarconomas. Most pesticides persist in
the environment for a long time and can continue to have harmful health effects
long after they have been applied. BAYGON
products, used to control cockroaches, flies, mosquitoes, and lawn
insects, have been linked to child leukaemia in a couple of studies.
BAYGON is harmful if swallowed
DOOM
products contain Lindane, which
has been banned in many other countries because of its health effects.
Lindane may cause cancer and also been linked to hormonal and
reproductive problems. DOOM
products also contain petroleum distillates which can damage the nervous system,
skin, kidneys and eyes, and may even cause cancer. RAID
contains cypermethrin, which is suspected to be cancer causing. Exposure to this
chemical can lead to dizziness, headache, nausea, fatigue, vomiting and skin and
eye irritation. Long-term exposure to this chemical can cause brain and
locomotory disorders and weaken the immune system. Flea powder contains chemicals which have
may
cause skin, breathing, kidney, liver and heart problems.
Flea collars have been linked to brain cancer. Recommendations
for use of insecticides If using pesticides avoid contact with
skin and eyes, use cotton or leather gloves, goggles, respirator mask,
protective overalls and footwear. Keep
children and pets away from areas being treated.
In case of accidents, the following rules apply:
Safe
Substitutes for Pesticides in Home and Garden Against pests in the home, the best
offence is a good defence. The first step is to make the house, especially the
kitchen, unattractive to insects by cleaning up food spills immediately, keeping
hard-to-reach areas reasonably clean, and removing clutter that can hide pests.
Store foods attractive to pests, such as flour, in the refrigerator. Green up your yard and stop using
pesticides--try to use natural products instead.
Pull weeds by hand. Use
traps, parasites, and natural predators such as ladybugs. Use disease and
pest-resistant plants. Use compost and mulch to improve soil health and reduce
the need for pesticides and fertilizers. Use
plants that repel insects. Some herbs and flowers – including basil, chives,
mint, garlic, marigolds, and chrysanthemums – mixed in with other plants, help
keep pests away.
For specific house pests, try these
solutions:
|
Pesticides
can contain active ingredients including naphthalene (suspected cancer causing);
phosphorus (irritates throat and lungs); heavy metals (such as mercury and lead
affect brain development and causes lowered IQ deficiencies in children); 
A
number of non-toxic substances can be used to repel insects.