{"id":4688,"date":"2024-09-02T20:20:11","date_gmt":"2024-09-02T20:20:11","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/stepsfarmcare.com\/?p=4688"},"modified":"2024-09-02T20:23:13","modified_gmt":"2024-09-02T20:23:13","slug":"pesticide-perils-a-toxic-threat","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/stepsfarmcare.com\/index.php\/2024\/09\/02\/pesticide-perils-a-toxic-threat\/","title":{"rendered":"Pesticide Perils: A Toxic Threat"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<figure class=\"wp-block-gallery has-nested-images columns-default is-cropped wp-block-gallery-1 is-layout-flex wp-block-gallery-is-layout-flex\">\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img fetchpriority=\"high\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"980\" height=\"652\" data-id=\"4689\" src=\"https:\/\/stepsfarmcare.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/09\/spraying-in-kenya-pesticides.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-4689\" title=\"\" srcset=\"https:\/\/stepsfarmcare.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/09\/spraying-in-kenya-pesticides.jpg 980w, https:\/\/stepsfarmcare.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/09\/spraying-in-kenya-pesticides-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/stepsfarmcare.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/09\/spraying-in-kenya-pesticides-768x511.jpg 768w, https:\/\/stepsfarmcare.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/09\/spraying-in-kenya-pesticides-600x399.jpg 600w, https:\/\/stepsfarmcare.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/09\/spraying-in-kenya-pesticides-81x54.jpg 81w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 980px) 100vw, 980px\" \/><\/figure>\n<\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Introduction<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Pesticides, while essential for agricultural productivity, pose significant risks to human health and the environment. These chemical substances, designed to control pests, weeds, and diseases, can have far-reaching consequences. This article delves into the dangers of pesticides, highlights those banned in Europe, and examines the concerning use of harmful pesticides in Kenya.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>The Dangers of Pesticides<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Pesticides can have detrimental effects on:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Human health:<\/strong> Exposure to pesticides has been linked to a variety of health problems, including:\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Cancer<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Neurological disorders<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Respiratory issues<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Reproductive problems<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Birth defects<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Skin diseases<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Environmental health:<\/strong> Pesticides can contaminate water sources, harm wildlife, and disrupt ecosystems. They can contribute to:\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Pollution of water bodies<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Decline of pollinators, such as bees and butterflies<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Loss of biodiversity<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Soil degradation<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Dangerous Pesticides Still in Use in Kenya and Their Manufacturers<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Note:<\/strong> Pesticide manufacturers often change, and some may have been acquired or merged with other companies. This list is based on information available as of early 2024.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Herbicides<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<ol class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Paraquat:<\/strong> Syngenta (now part of Corteva Agriscience)<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Glyphosate:<\/strong> Bayer (formerly Monsanto)<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Atrazine:<\/strong> Syngenta (now part of Corteva Agriscience)<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>2,4-D:<\/strong> Dow AgroSciences (now part of Corteva Agriscience)<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Dicamba:<\/strong> BASF<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Insecticides<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<ol start=\"6\" class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Chlorpyrifos:<\/strong> Dow AgroSciences (now part of Corteva Agriscience)<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Diazinon:<\/strong> Syngenta (now part of Corteva Agriscience)<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Malathion:<\/strong> American Cyanamid (now part of Syngenta)<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Fenthion:<\/strong> Sumitomo Chemical<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Cypermethrin:<\/strong> Bayer<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Fungicides<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<ol start=\"11\" class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Captan:<\/strong> Rohm and Haas (now part of DowDuPont)<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Mancozeb:<\/strong> BASF<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Chlorothalonil:<\/strong> Dow AgroSciences (now part of Corteva Agriscience)<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Propiconazole:<\/strong> BASF<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Tebuconazole:<\/strong> Bayer<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Others<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<ol start=\"16\" class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Aldicarb:<\/strong> Union Carbide (now part of DowDuPont)<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Carbofuran:<\/strong> Union Carbide (now part of DowDuPont)<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Methamidophos:<\/strong> Bayer<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Ethylene dibromide (EDB):<\/strong> DowDuPont<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Lindane:<\/strong> Velsicol Chemical Corporation (now part of DowDuPont)<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Please note:<\/strong> This list is not exhaustive, and there may be other harmful pesticides in use in Kenya. Additionally, some of these pesticides may be used under strict regulations or for specific purposes. It\u2019s essential to consult with local authorities and experts for the most accurate and up-to-date information.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">These pesticides are used in a variety of crops, including:\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Maize and wheat:\u00a0Herbicides like 2.4-D, S-metolachlor, glyphosate, atrazine, and paraquat are used\u00a0<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Coffee:\u00a0Highly hazardous insecticides, fungicides, and herbicides are used\u00a0<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Potatoes and tomatoes:\u00a0Mancozeb, a fungicide banned in the EU, is widely used.\u00a0Diazinon and thiamethoxam are also used in tomato production\u00a0<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">According to a September 2023 study by Human Rights Watch, Syngenta and Bayer AG have the largest market share for pesticides in Kenya.\u00a0The study found that over 65% of the pesticides sold by Syngenta and nearly 85% of those sold by Bayer are classified as \u201chighly hazardous\u201d.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Food rights groups in Kenya have asked the government to ban all imports of highly hazardous pesticides and phase out their current use<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-embed is-type-wp-embed is-provider-steps-farmcare-centre wp-block-embed-steps-farmcare-centre\"><div class=\"wp-block-embed__wrapper\">\n<blockquote class=\"wp-embedded-content\" data-secret=\"EifCXCobsw\"><a href=\"https:\/\/stepsfarmcare.com\/index.php\/product\/20l-knapsack-sprayer\/\">20L Knapsack Sprayer 65 psi<\/a><\/blockquote><iframe class=\"wp-embedded-content\" sandbox=\"allow-scripts\" security=\"restricted\" style=\"position: absolute; visibility: hidden;\" title=\"\u201c20L Knapsack Sprayer 65 psi\u201d \u2014 Steps Farmcare Centre\" src=\"https:\/\/stepsfarmcare.com\/index.php\/product\/20l-knapsack-sprayer\/embed\/#?secret=N3dERCrhdI#?secret=EifCXCobsw\" data-secret=\"EifCXCobsw\" width=\"600\" height=\"338\" frameborder=\"0\" marginwidth=\"0\" marginheight=\"0\" scrolling=\"no\"><\/iframe>\n<\/div><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>For more detailed information, you may want to explore these resources:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Heinrich B\u00f6ll Foundation:<\/strong> <a href=\"https:\/\/ke.boell.org\/en\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">https:\/\/ke.boell.org\/en<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Science Africa:<\/strong> <a href=\"https:\/\/www.linkedin.com\/posts\/renato-oliveira-e-souza-3573021a6_restricting-access-to-pesticides-and-firearms-activity-7219356564455886850-zN7S\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">https:\/\/www.linkedin.com\/posts\/renato-oliveira-e-souza-3573021a6_restricting-access-to-pesticides-and-firearms-activity-7219356564455886850-zN7S<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Human Rights Watch:<\/strong> <a href=\"https:\/\/www.hrw.org\/africa\/kenya\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">https:\/\/www.hrw.org\/africa\/kenya<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>References<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ol class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Heinrich B\u00f6ll Foundation:<\/strong> <em class=\"\">Highly Hazardous Pesticides in Kenya<\/em>. <a href=\"https:\/\/ke.boell.org\/en\/tags\/pesticides-and-food-safety\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">https:\/\/ke.boell.org\/en\/tags\/pesticides-and-food-safety<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Science Africa:<\/strong> <em class=\"\">More than Half of Pesticides Highly Harmful<\/em>. <a href=\"https:\/\/www.linkedin.com\/pulse\/scientists-warn-massive-pesticide-residue-foods-potential-juma\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">https:\/\/www.linkedin.com\/pulse\/scientists-warn-massive-pesticide-residue-foods-potential-juma<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Human Rights Watch:<\/strong> <em class=\"\">Kenya: Ban Use of Highly Hazardous Pesticides<\/em>. <a href=\"https:\/\/www.hrw.org\/news\/2023\/09\/14\/kenya-ban-use-highly-hazardous-pesticides\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">https:\/\/www.hrw.org\/news\/2023\/09\/14\/kenya-ban-use-highly-hazardous-pesticides<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Conclusion<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The widespread use of pesticides poses a significant threat to human health and the environment. While efforts have been made to restrict or ban harmful pesticides in many countries, including Europe, these substances continue to be used in developing nations like Kenya. It is imperative to adopt sustainable agricultural practices that minimize the use of pesticides and prioritize the protection of public health and the environment.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"724\" src=\"https:\/\/stepsfarmcare.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/09\/Pesticides-in-Kenya-Factsheet-scaled-1-1024x724.jpg\" alt=\"Pesticide use in kenya fact sheet\" class=\"wp-image-4690\" title=\"\" srcset=\"https:\/\/stepsfarmcare.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/09\/Pesticides-in-Kenya-Factsheet-scaled-1-1024x724.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/stepsfarmcare.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/09\/Pesticides-in-Kenya-Factsheet-scaled-1-300x212.jpg 300w, https:\/\/stepsfarmcare.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/09\/Pesticides-in-Kenya-Factsheet-scaled-1-768x543.jpg 768w, https:\/\/stepsfarmcare.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/09\/Pesticides-in-Kenya-Factsheet-scaled-1-1536x1086.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/stepsfarmcare.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/09\/Pesticides-in-Kenya-Factsheet-scaled-1-2048x1448.jpg 2048w, https:\/\/stepsfarmcare.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/09\/Pesticides-in-Kenya-Factsheet-scaled-1-600x424.jpg 600w, https:\/\/stepsfarmcare.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/09\/Pesticides-in-Kenya-Factsheet-scaled-1-76x54.jpg 76w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Disclaimer:<\/strong> <em>While I\u2019ve done my best to provide a comprehensive list, it\u2019s important to note that pesticide usage and regulations can change rapidly, and information may not always be publicly accessible or entirely accurate. For the most current and reliable data, please consult with local authorities, environmental organizations, or agricultural experts in Kenya.<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-embed is-type-video is-provider-youtube wp-block-embed-youtube wp-embed-aspect-16-9 wp-has-aspect-ratio\"><div class=\"wp-block-embed__wrapper\">\n<iframe title=\"40% of total volume of pesticides in Kenya are banned in Europe\" width=\"960\" height=\"540\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/CQiXpwVeamg?feature=oembed\" frameborder=\"0\" allow=\"accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share\" referrerpolicy=\"strict-origin-when-cross-origin\" allowfullscreen><\/iframe>\n<\/div><\/figure>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Introduction Pesticides, while essential for agricultural productivity, pose significant risks to human health and the environment. These chemical substances, designed to control pests, weeds, and diseases, can have far-reaching consequences. This article delves into the dangers of pesticides, highlights those banned in Europe, and examines the concerning use of harmful pesticides in Kenya. The Dangers<\/p>\n<div class=\"klb-readmore entry-button\"><a class=\"button\" href=\"https:\/\/stepsfarmcare.com\/index.php\/2024\/09\/02\/pesticide-perils-a-toxic-threat\/\">Read More<\/a><\/div>\n","protected":false},"author":3,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[299,341],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-4688","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","hentry","category-farming","category-health"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/stepsfarmcare.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/4688","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/stepsfarmcare.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/stepsfarmcare.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/stepsfarmcare.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/3"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/stepsfarmcare.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=4688"}],"version-history":[{"count":2,"href":"https:\/\/stepsfarmcare.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/4688\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":4692,"href":"https:\/\/stepsfarmcare.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/4688\/revisions\/4692"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/stepsfarmcare.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=4688"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/stepsfarmcare.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=4688"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/stepsfarmcare.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=4688"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}