Exceso de plaguicidas en cultivos pone en riesgo a pobladores

Summary

Agronomy experts warn about the widespread use of dangerous pesticides in agriculture, leading to food contamination and posing serious health risks to Peruvians. A recent mass poisoning incident in Ayacucho, which killed nine and affected dozens, highlighted the danger of these chemicals. Despite being classified as probable carcinogens by the WHO, harmful pesticides like glyphosate and metamidophos are commonly used due to their low cost. Experts call for immediate regulatory action, better enforcement, and stronger oversight to protect both agricultural workers and consumers from toxic exposure.

Takeaways

• 😀 Specialists in agronomy have raised concerns about the widespread use of dangerous pesticides in crops, leading to food contamination and health risks for many Peruvians.
• 😀 A mass poisoning incident in San José de Sancos, Ayacucho, led to nine deaths and nearly 50 affected individuals, drawing attention to the dangers of pesticide use in agriculture.
• 😀 Tests on food samples from the event revealed the presence of organophosphates, a type of pesticide that poses significant health risks.
• 😀 The use of chemical substances in food production is common in Peru, with pesticides being a major concern due to their harmful effects on both agricultural workers and consumers.
• 😀 Consumers are often unaware of how their food is produced or the potential dangers of pesticides used in agricultural practices.
• 😀 The issue of pesticide use is not unique to Peru, though other countries have implemented better regulatory mechanisms to reduce risks.
• 😀 In recent years, the use of pesticides in Peru has increased due to their low cost, making them more widely used in agricultural production.
• 😀 There are reports of workers handling toxic pesticides without proper safety measures, such as gloves, increasing the risk of exposure to harmful substances like glyphosate.
• 😀 Glyphosate and metamidophos are classified as probable carcinogens by the World Health Organization and are among the most commonly used pesticides, despite their dangerous properties.
• 😀 Immediate actions are being proposed to prevent further harm to public health, including strengthening monitoring efforts and removing hazardous pesticides from the market.
• 😀 The use of dangerous pesticides, once banned in the countries that produced them, is still prevalent in Peru, creating a cycle of harm to public health if left unregulated.

Q & A

What is the main concern raised by agronomy specialists regarding pesticide use?

Agronomy specialists are concerned about the massive use of dangerous pesticides in agriculture, which leads to contamination in food and poses health risks to thousands of people in Peru.

What tragic event highlighted the dangers of pesticide exposure in Peru?

A mass poisoning incident in the district of San José de Ayacucho, where nine people lost their lives and nearly 50 were affected, brought attention to the issue of pesticide use and its impact on public health.

What substances were found in food samples after the poisoning incident?

Two of the food samples taken from the meeting where the mass poisoning occurred tested positive for organophosphates, which are a type of pesticide.

What are organophosphates, and why are they a concern?

Organophosphates are chemicals used in pesticides, and they are highly toxic. They are classified by the World Health Organization as probable carcinogens and are considered highly dangerous to human health.

How does pesticide use in Peru compare to other countries?

While pesticide use is a global issue, other countries have implemented better regulation and control mechanisms in recent years. In contrast, Peru has seen an increase in pesticide use, partly due to their low cost and widespread availability.

What are the risks associated with pesticide use in Peru’s agricultural sector?

The risks include exposure to toxic chemicals for both agricultural workers and consumers, as well as environmental contamination, which can have long-term health effects and contribute to widespread pollution.

Why are some pesticides, like glyphosate, widely used despite their dangers?

Glyphosate and other similar pesticides are commonly used because they are effective at controlling pests and are relatively inexpensive. However, their toxicity poses serious health risks, making their widespread use concerning.

What recommendations were made to address the issues related to pesticide use?

Experts suggest immediate solutions, such as strengthened monitoring and regulation, to prevent the use of harmful pesticides. They also call for the removal of dangerous chemicals from the market and proper protective measures for workers handling pesticides.

How does the current situation in Peru regarding pesticide use impact consumers?

Consumers are at risk of ingesting contaminated food, unknowingly consuming toxic substances, which can lead to both immediate and long-term health issues, including poisoning and potential cancer development.

What measures have other countries taken regarding pesticides that Peru has not?

Other countries have prohibited or strictly regulated the use of certain dangerous pesticides, such as glyphosate and metamidophos, while Peru continues to use these substances, even though they have been banned in the countries that produced them.