Pesticides poison generations

The increasing use of pesticides also brings up the effects on public health and the ecological system. Scientists have drawn attention to the fact that pesticide use is getting out of control, and the latest study conducted by Greenpeace Turkey has once again revealed this terrible situation. According to the analysis results of Greenpeace Turkey, which examined 155 separate samples of 14 types of vegetables and fruits taken from five chain stores and different neighborhood markets in Istanbul in an internationally accredited laboratory, the fact that more than one pesticide residue was found in 61 percent of the samples shows the seriousness of the situation. Scientists say, ''Pesticide residue is passed from mother to baby, and even to grandchildren. It is passed from generation to generation. This can lead to very serious health problems ranging from genetic disorders to cancer.''

The analyses conducted by Greenpeace Türkiye within the scope of the "Don't Poison" campaign were evaluated by food engineer Dr. Bülent Şık in the report titled "Pesticides and Children - Multiple Residues, PFAS and Developmental Toxicity".

DISEASE SUSPENSION INCREASES

Studies included in the report show that children are much more sensitive to pesticides than adults and may face serious health problems during their developmental process. Because children’s immune, nervous and hormonal systems are still in the developmental stage, the effects of pesticides can be more damaging and permanent compared to adults. Scientific studies show that exposure to pesticides during the critical neurodevelopmental period increases susceptibility to many diseases, including neurodevelopmental disorders.

HIGHLIGHTED FINDINGS OF THE REPORT ARE AS FOLLOWS:

• It was determined that 33 percent of 155 samples, i.e. 51 samples, did not comply with the Turkish Food Codex Maximum Residue Limits Regulation for Pesticides. Unlicensed pesticide use was detected in 50 of these products.

• Pesticide residue limit exceedance and banned or unlicensed pesticide use were mostly seen in pickled leaves (80%) and green pointed peppers. This was followed by spinach, curly lettuce, pear, grape, golden apple and starking apple, bell pepper, eggplant, tomato, orange and cucumber.

• More than one pesticide residue was detected in 61 percent of the analyzed samples.

• Residues of at least one pesticide that disrupts the hormonal system, affects neurological development, is carcinogenic or poses a threat to reproductive health were found in 31.6 percent of the analyzed samples.

• The analysis also examined pesticides containing per/polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), which pose a risk to children's health. As a result of these examinations, 43 percent of the 155 food samples analyzed were found to contain residues of at least one PFAS pesticide.

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HEALTH EFFECTS WILL ONLY APPEAR AFTER 20-30 YEARS

Public Health Specialist Prof. Dr. Çağatay Güler also stated that pesticides are called 'living creatures' and said, "When pesticides are mentioned, people think 'You spray this, this chemical goes, finds the bad creatures, and kills them.' No, it kills the best ones first. It kills all living creatures." Güler continues as follows: "These substances disrupt development starting from childhood, as well as the kidneys, brain, nervous system, liver, and the functions of many organs. It increases the risk of cancer. The effects of the pesticides appear years later. It can take 15-20 or even 30 years. Another problem is that these substances disrupt the balance between the hormones in our bodies. In other words, when a woman gets pregnant, what she eats passes to the baby through the placenta. The balance between the hormones of that child may also be disrupted. If there is a disorder when this child grows up and gets married, it passes to her children, from generation to generation, to grandchildren. The pesticides do not only remain on the surface they are sprayed on, but also pass into the structure of fruits and vegetables. When sprayed, they flow into fields, gardens, rainwater, groundwater and the water resources we drink. It also causes a significant environmental problem. If used in excessive doses, it causes poisoning. It is possible to wash the peel well to reduce the residues that have a high amount of pesticides on them, but if it has entered the structure of the food, this is of no use."

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SERIOUS THREAT TO CHILDREN

Greenpeace Turkey Director Berkan Özyer called on the Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry to announce the results of pesticide analyses, saying: “Research shows that exposure to multiple pesticides at the same time can lead to more serious health problems than exposure to a single pesticide. It has been proven that even low levels of pesticide exposure, let alone exceeding the limits, can affect the neurological and behavioral development of children. When all this striking data is evaluated together with the pesticide analyses we conducted, it is seen that pesticide residues pose a serious risk to the health of children in Türkiye. The Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry should announce the results of pesticide analyses. Organic-ecological production methods that will reduce or completely eliminate pesticide use should be publicly encouraged and disseminated throughout the country.”