Summer is coming which means lots of people are gearing up for hours of lounging and frockling in yards and parks. Lush, verdant swaths of monotone green grass become outdoor carpet playgrounds for adults and children alike. Fields are abundant with fresh summer produce that are grown in neatly groomed, weed-free fields. These dramatic landscapes might be appealing visually, but what they’re doing to our bodies isn’t nice. These bug and weed-free environments are created by the application of toxic pesticides and other agricultural chemicals. However, their reach and impact is well beyond the fields and gardens to which they’re applied. Pesticides are already linked to a host of health problems including respiratory ailments and neurological disorders. Now, a study by Dr. Paul Winchester, published in the medical journal Acta Pediatrica, shows a link between pesticide exposure and birth defects. Specifically, women who conceive between April and July are at greater risk for having a baby with birth defects becaues of exposure to pesticides and other agricultural chemicals. Winchester examined rates of birth defects in the US between 1996 and 2002 and found the highest numbers in those summer months. At the same time, government water-quality assessments found elevated levels of pesticides and other chemicals in surface-groundwater during these months. Birth defects linked to pesticide exposure include spina bifida, cleft pallet and lip, Down Syndrome, club foot and urogenital abnormalities. This results of this study are frightening and bring us more confirmation of the dangers of pesticides and “that the capacity that pesticides have to alter our lives has been grossly underestimated.” So, what can you do? Dr. Winchester genuinely suggests that women trying to conceive should consider doing this in December, a month associated with the lowest birth defect and highest pregnancy success rates. Additionally, learn more about pesticides and take action with the Pesticide Action Network of North America. (photo: pixnpics, flickr Creative Commons)
CATEGORIES: Environment, Uncategorized
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My government will be spraying pesticides from helicopters in my valley soon.
They have no clue.
Silent Spring by Rachel Carson explains the issue.
One Story About The Birds And The Bees
Inspired by Rachel Carson’s Silent Spring
Let me tell you one story about the birds and the bees.
It started with love for the flowers and trees.
A horror story now; but I can tell it with ease.
A biologist, my hero, Rachel Carson agrees.
Man met a beetle, then his toxic sprays came down.
It killed lots of things and the elms all turned brown.
Bad business decided to let some life drown,
In pesticides, which are toxic. Does it not make you frown?
Honey bees, earthworms and birds pesticided.
Dandelions, clover, and trees herbicided.
Sadly, young lungs and livers toxi-cided.
Has man thought it through? Have his gods been confided?
Why poison annoying but such tasty bugs?
Why kill nature’s plants? To prescribe legal drugs?
How can we take down these immoral thugs?
We must stop them or die. No more life. No more hugs.
Mankind struggles with such a deadly habit.
He likes to destroy it. He likes to pollute it.
He exercises for ego, not to keep the earth fit,
For all children, who deserve their future on it.
Why spray to destroy, to abuse or to kill?
Is it just for the wealth, or for love of a thrill?
The left and the right fight a battle of will.
Most of us want to preserve the bird twill!
All of those able to damage with ease.
Make me sick to my senses and I want to cry ‘FREEZE!
We must save all the birds and the meek bumble bees!
For children’s sake. Please save them! Please! Pretty please!
Love Lora Bruncke
My government will be spraying pesticides from helicopters in my valley soon.
They have no clue.
Silent Spring by Rachel Carson explains the issue.
One Story About The Birds And The Bees
Inspired by Rachel Carson’s Silent Spring
Let me tell you one story about the birds and the bees.
It started with love for the flowers and trees.
A horror story now; but I can tell it with ease.
A biologist, my hero, Rachel Carson agrees.
Man met a beetle, then his toxic sprays came down.
It killed lots of things and the elms all turned brown.
Bad business decided to let some life drown,
In pesticides, which are toxic. Does it not make you frown?
Honey bees, earthworms and birds pesticided.
Dandelions, clover, and trees herbicided.
Sadly, young lungs and livers toxi-cided.
Has man thought it through? Have his gods been confided?
Why poison annoying but such tasty bugs?
Why kill nature’s plants? To prescribe legal drugs?
How can we take down these immoral thugs?
We must stop them or die. No more life. No more hugs.
Mankind struggles with such a deadly habit.
He likes to destroy it. He likes to pollute it.
He exercises for ego, not to keep the earth fit,
For all children, who deserve their future on it.
Why spray to destroy, to abuse or to kill?
Is it just for the wealth, or for love of a thrill?
The left and the right fight a battle of will.
Most of us want to preserve the bird twill!
All of those able to damage with ease.
Make me sick to my senses and I want to cry ‘FREEZE!
We must save all the birds and the meek bumble bees!
For children’s sake. Please save them! Please! Pretty please!
Love Lora Bruncke