Jornal Global de Biologia, Agricultura e Ciências da Saúde

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Agrochemical-Related Environmental Pollution: Effects on Human Health

Shehani A. Wimalawansa,Sunil J. Wimalawansa

An unpolluted environment is essential for optimum human health. Water polluted with microbes causes noticeable diarrheal diseases, whereas chemical and toxic contaminations make people acutely or chronically sick and kill insidiously. Contamination of soil and water through human and industrial waste and agrochemicals is a universal problem and a major issue in developing countries, where the difficulties are attributable in part to lax environmental laws. Unrestrained industrial and domestic waste in urban and rural situations and pollution of reservoirs caused by agrochemical runoff are an increasing concern. Deforestation and consequent soil erosion further aggravate these issues. Massive contaminations such as oil spills are visible, and the deleterious effects are immediate, but microbial and chemical contamination of water in most circumstances is subtle, and it may be years before people realise their water supplies are contaminated and are adversely affecting human health. Misuse of agrochemicals is a key cause of pollution of potable water, reservoirs, and watersheds. The misuse is mostly attributable to irresponsible behaviour of farmers and agrochemical sellers, and large government fertiliser subsidies that incentivise fertiliser overuse; these are fully preventable. To prevent environmental pollution and occupational diseases, proactive preventative actions are needed, including preserving the environment and enforcing appropriate laws.