I read a great article yesterday in the NRDC’s magazine OnEarth about the connection between Pesticides and Parkinson's disease. (http://www.onearth.org/article/parkinsons-the-pesticide-link) The article talks about Jackie Christensen who developed Parkinson’s disease at age 32. She had a relatively unremarkable childhood in the Midwest. To earn extra cash, she worked for a farmer spraying Round-up on weeds at local farms. The link between her Parkinson’s and her exposure as a young adult can’t really be proven. However, there is a growing body of evidence that these chemicals cause far more damage than we can possibly understand. I began to look at some of the chemicals we have around the house to see what i could find out. The two things I found that are likely pretty common are DEET in insect spray and Round-up weed killer. A little research into these two showed some significant controversy with their use. Health and environmental impact is
Herbicides and Pesticides were invented to make life more convenient and to create a financial benefit. Many people and organizations were willing and motivated to believe in the benefits of these miracle chemicals. Industries were built on the promise of increased crop yields and greater convenience. Our government, the organization we pay to ensure we have regulations that protect our society, is also highly motivated to believe the well-meaning claims and to stay out of the way.
How many times have we been fooled by a slick marketing campaign only to find out that the product didn’t quite live up to the claims – or worse, the product actually caused damage? It isn’t always outright deception; it’s often dishonesty by omission of key facts or data. Corporations are financially obligated to sell us on the benefits of their product. Corporate boards and company managers are responsible to their shareholders first. They spend millions of dollars tailoring their marketing message to make us like the company and their products. (For example, company BP used to be British Petroleum, now they are “Beyond Petroleum”. While that may signify a shift in their corporate direction, it may also be a marketing ploy to make us feel better about the company and their products.) Yet we believe their claims – almost blindly. Even when we suspect or intuitively believe there may be issues with their products. Some even go so far as to claim conspiracy when questions are raised. Consider the recent past: Tobacco, asbestos, weight loss pills, fast food, pesticides, chemical sweeteners, etc. Every one of these is an example of our own willingness to believe a company’s claim despite the mounting evidence that there are unhealthy side effects to their use.
What’s the point?
If something is too good to be true, it probably is. A chemical that will kill weeds but have no other adverse impact to the surrounding plants and animals? Highly unlikely. There are always unintended consequences when we tinker with our health and our environment. Sometimes those unintended consequences are acceptable. Often the consequences are unknown until it’s too late. If there’s any question, why take the risk? Why
So what can we do?
1) Stop using herbicides and pesticides in and around your home. Take a little time and figure out how to safely dispose of the roundup and other such products. Then look into natural alternatives for your home.
2) Eat organic, locally produced foods. Farmers markets, locally owned grocery stores, and co-ops can be a great source for local meats and produce. At a farmer’s market, you can ask the farmer whether they use pesticides or herbicides.
3) Evaluate product claims for yourself. Companies have deceived us and our government many times. They will continue to do so. Use the Internet and research on your own.
4) Elect people who are willing to stand up to powerful financial and corporate interests.
Do you have any other suggestions for protecting ourselves and our families?
