THE LANDSCAPE BELOW SEA LEVEL:WITNESSING PESTICIDE PERILS
Athira Krishnan
Project Officer
I had the opportunity to conduct a case study in Alappuzha, focusing on the “Impact of Pesticides on Health.” The survey revealed alarming health conditions among the residents, prompting an investigation into potential causes. It became apparent that farmers in the Kuttanad Taluk were using highly toxic chemicals in the paddy fields, leading to significant health risks.
Given the abundance of water bodies in Kuttanad Taluk, these hazardous chemicals were seeping into the groundwater and other water sources, causing widespread pollution. The local residents, who live in close proximity to canals and lakes, were particularly affected. The process of wetting and drying the paddy fields resulted in the chemicals mixing with these water bodies, contaminating them with harmful substances. The people in the area, relying on canal water for their daily needs, were experiencing adverse health effects.Common symptoms included skin allergies, eye irritations, and respiratory issues. The situation painted a concerning picture of the health impacts associated with pesticide use in the region.
In Kuttanad, almost 90% of the population relies on farming, with both men and women engaging in field work for daily wages. These individuals are actively involved in various field operations such as applying fertilizers, weeding, and using pesticides and chemicals. Shockingly, none of them were observed using any safety measures while handling these potentially harmful substances.
A concerning 86% of the sampled population had direct contact with chemicals used in paddy fields, experiencing symptoms of pesticide exposure. When inquired about the chemicals they regularly use, it was discovered that highly poisonous and banned substances were prevalent in their list. Most workers and farmers appeared to be unaware of the nature and risks associated with the chemicals they were handling. Fertilizer shop owners played a significant role in this scenario by recommending chemicals to farmers without considering their chemical composition, expiry dates, or potential hazards, aiming solely for higher profits. This analysis reveals a critical lack of awareness and safety practices among the farming community in Kuttanad. During discussions, the labourers consistently emphasized the term “visham”( poison) when referring to the chemicals they utilize in the fields. This indicates their awareness that they are dealing with pesticides. However, due to the dependence on this work for their livelihoods, they feel compelled to engage in these activities. Farmers there cultivate mostly in leased lands, where fields are interconnected. So, shifting to organic practices also seems irrelevant.
Out of 28 individuals sampled, 42.8% suffers from cancer and 35.7% are suffering from skin allergy, irritation and burning. This indicates that nearly half of the random samples are also the victims, which is a serious issue to be addressed. 75% of the victims of pesticide poisoning cases are women. Out of these, 33.3% of them are suffering from breast cancer. People who are not at all involved in any of the farming activities including children are also suffering from cancer and various skin allergies due to consumption of chemical polluted water. In certain regions, residents rely on piped water for domestic needs. Despite being surrounded by water bodies, it is disheartening that these individuals are compelled to purchase water for their daily use.
In conclusion, to ensure a safer future and reduce health risks, it is crucial to educate local residents, farmers, and labourers about the dangers of chemical exposure. Providing knowledge on alternative pest control methods and promoting responsible pesticide use can greatly contribute to minimizing health hazards. It should be made strict to use safety measures while working in fields.
Moreover, implementing legal controls on fertilizer sales is essential. This step will help regulate the use of pesticides, ensuring a more cautious and supervised approach. By combining awareness efforts with regulatory measures, we can work towards a future where the harmful impacts of pesticides are minimized, creating a healthier environment for everyone.