Hello to all the mentors,ambassadors and members,

In today’s world, it is impossible to imagine a world without man made chemicals.  If we look around us, the volume and amount of chemicals present around us is astonishing. For example, there are so many chemicals present in the food we eat,cosmetics, cleaning products, clothing and toys.Today I will be telling you about a few chemicals that affect the environment negatively.

Pesticides and Insecticides :

Pesticides are substances that are meant to control pests, including weeds.The term pesticides usually includes fungicides , herbicides and insecticides.  Although pesticides prevent pests and other insects from ruining the crops, these have a major impact on the ecosystem as well as human health.  Firstly, these pesticides contribute to air pollution.  Due to wind, the particles of pesticides get suspended in the air.  These particles could potentially harm human beings.  In a research conducted by the US Geological Survey, it was found that pesticides pollute 90% of wells.  This is alarming, as it can impact the ground water level.  Thirdly, these pesticides kill useful microorganisms.

Alternatives to pesticides:

Biopesticides are certain types of pesticides derived from such natural materials as animals, plants, bacteria, and certain minerals. For example, canola oil and baking soda have pesticidal applications and are considered biopesticides.  Since these pecticides are made from natural materials, they will affect the environment less.  Also, Biopesticides often are effective in very small quantities and often decompose quickly, resulting in lower exposures and largely avoiding the pollution problems caused by conventional pesticides.

EDCs (Endocrine Disrupting Chemicals) : These are chemicals that interfere with naturally produced hormones ( our body’s chemical messengers).  Out of these, some chemicals mimic hormones by sending false messages. Some others prevent true messages to get through.  EDCs acummalate in the tissues of organisms and move up through the food web.  Since these chemicals pass from mother to off spring , they harm species far from their original source.  Some common examples of EDCs include DDT and other pesticides; bisphenol A (BPA) and phthalates used in children's products, personal care products and food contain- ers; and flame retardants used in furniture and floor coverings.

References : 

https://wwf.panda.org/knowledge_hub/teacher_resources/webfieldtrips/toxics/our_chemical_world/edcs/

https://www.epa.gov/ingredients-used-pesticide-products/what-are-biopesticides

https://www.pesticidereform.org/pesticides-human-health/

https://wwf.panda.org/knowledge_hub/teacher_resources/webfieldtrips/toxics/our_chemical_world/