Articles tagged with Pesticides
A University of Washington study found that over half of farmworker children in Douglas and Chelan counties, Washington state, exceeded federal safety levels for pesticides. The study suggests that regulators need to reassess exposure standards for these chemicals.
A New York-based council argues that health scares about pesticides in food are unjustified on scientific grounds, citing issues of dose and exposure. Experts warn that the risks from nature don't end with cancer, as certain foods like potatoes contain natural toxins.
A recent study by Ohio State University suggests that evergreen trees can collect two to four times more pesticide spray droplets than broadleaf plants. The researchers recommend planting a line of evergreen trees around crops to reduce the movement of pesticide sprays outside their fields.
Research by Cornell University reveals that genetically engineered corn, designed to protect against pests, can kill monarch butterfly larvae when they come into contact with its pollen. This has significant implications for the long-term survival of the monarch species, which is already facing habitat disruption and other threats.
Scientists have developed cotton fabrics with built-in pesticide detoxifiers that can be cleaned and reactivated by washing with bleach. The treatment reduces pesticide levels in garments to harmless fragments within minutes, offering a comfortable and protective solution for agricultural workers and gardeners.
Researchers discovered a gene-toxin link that may increase the risk of dementia in Parkinson's patients. The study found that exposure to pesticides and a defective gene called CYP 2D6 29B+ increased the likelihood of developing dementia, particularly among those with Parkinson's disease with dementia (PD+D).
A study by UNC-CH scientists found elevated DDE levels in Aberdeen residents' blood, but no major clinical effects were observed. Younger residents showed a two-to-three-fold increased risk of herpes zoster, indicating immune system suppression.
Pesticide residues on food raise concerns, but some pesticides can increase safety by reducing naturally occurring toxins. Carl Winter suggests fine-tuning regulations to reflect relative benefits and risks presented by a pesticide.
A unique strategy aims to use computer-examined variables and prescribe chemical regulations for specific areas to benefit the environment and agriculture. The nation's first 'smart' environmental regulations for ground water contamination by agricultural runoff are being created as part of Indiana's pesticide management plan.
A US chemist, Cliff Meloan, has developed a comprehensive training manual to help Central American food inspectors detect pesticide residues using advanced analytical methods. The manual, published in 1996, covers procedures for handling raw and processed foods, identifying chemical compounds, and quality control and assurance.