Pros and Cons of Use of Pesticides Essay

Exclusively available on Available only on IvyPanda® Made by Human No AI

Introduction

Environmentalists and scientists have put a lot of efforts and energy towards discovering and understanding more about the safety of use of pesticides and possible repercussions in the future. Some support while others disagree on the use of pesticides. In this paper I am going to discuss the pros and cons of the use of pesticides with more focus on use of DDT.

Use of Pesticides

The use of pesticides has been faced with much criticism due to the already available evidence of their hazardous effects and also the possibility of future adverse effects. These concerns are perhaps best raised by Carson. She argues that “every human being is now subjected to contact with dangerous chemicals from the moment of conception till death” (Carson 15).

Pesticides have been traced to water bodies, soil as well as in all living things with heightened concern about the presence of these harmful chemicals in milk. Particular concerns have been raised about synthetic insecticides due to their potential biological hazards. They are said to compromise the immune system, interfere with the oxidation processes, interfere with physiological functions and may even cause cancer (Carson 17).

The use of pesticides with endocrine disruptors, environmental estrogens, and estrogen mimics has been put into question. Studies indicate that physiological functions of animals such as alligators have changed with noticeable changes in their reproductive systems and this has been attributed to misuse of DDT which, according to Trankina and Gough, “acted as an estrogen mimic that resulted in the feminization of the males and over-feminization of the females” (Trankina and Gough 1).

Continuous DDT use is believed to increase its concentration in the higher levels in the food chains and with the already present evidence of its presence in the breast milk and body fats we can only contemplate the future potential hazards when the levels run out of control (Carson 17).

Perhaps the biggest issue of concern is how the insects that we are supposed to eliminate continue to build resistance to DDT and other pesticides. Tis kind of resistance by the pests raises questions of what will eventually happen when the pests will no longer respond to any of the pesticides such as DDT and others. Why not just use more eco friendly methods such as mosquito nets (Trankina and Gough 1).

While there could be some evidence of presence of pesticides in the ecosystem there is arguably no direct correlation between the pesticides and cause of the alleged effects: “DDT does not cause the death of algae at concentrations of 500 parts per billion” (McFinn and Roberts 1).

Other evidence still indicate that though DDT concentrations may have gone up, bird and sea lions population have increased with time. Correct, regulated use and safe practices of these chemicals will bring immeasurable benefits to mankind such as control of malaria which is believed to be one of the most killers in human history.

Use of pesticides boosts food production which keeps the population growing and discontinuing their use may be more catastrophic than the problems associated with their use. DDT is still used in some countries such as India and the benefits by far out weight the risks thus justifying their use (McFinn and Roberts 1).

Conclusion

Use of DDT and other pesticides may cause harm to the ecosystem if not well used and thus it is advisable to approach this issue with more precaution. It is advisable that the environment is well taken care of because its destruction will eventually lead to the destruction of the whole ecosystem.

Works Cited

Carson, Rachel. Silent spring. East Africa: East African Publishers, 1995. Print.

McFinn, Ann and Roberts, Donald. Should DDT Be Banned Worldwide? Environmental Issues, 2007. Web.

Trankina, Michele and Gough, Michael. Do Environmental Hormone Mimics Pose a Health Threat? Environmental Issues, 2007. Web.

More related papers Related Essay Examples
Cite This paper
You're welcome to use this sample in your assignment. Be sure to cite it correctly

Reference

IvyPanda. (2018, December 27). Pros and Cons of Use of Pesticides. https://ivypanda.com/essays/pros-and-cons-of-use-of-pesticides/

Work Cited

"Pros and Cons of Use of Pesticides." IvyPanda, 27 Dec. 2018, ivypanda.com/essays/pros-and-cons-of-use-of-pesticides/.

References

IvyPanda. (2018) 'Pros and Cons of Use of Pesticides'. 27 December.

References

IvyPanda. 2018. "Pros and Cons of Use of Pesticides." December 27, 2018. https://ivypanda.com/essays/pros-and-cons-of-use-of-pesticides/.

1. IvyPanda. "Pros and Cons of Use of Pesticides." December 27, 2018. https://ivypanda.com/essays/pros-and-cons-of-use-of-pesticides/.


Bibliography


IvyPanda. "Pros and Cons of Use of Pesticides." December 27, 2018. https://ivypanda.com/essays/pros-and-cons-of-use-of-pesticides/.

If, for any reason, you believe that this content should not be published on our website, please request its removal.
Updated:
This academic paper example has been carefully picked, checked and refined by our editorial team.
No AI was involved: only quilified experts contributed.
You are free to use it for the following purposes:
  • To find inspiration for your paper and overcome writer’s block
  • As a source of information (ensure proper referencing)
  • As a template for you assignment
Privacy Settings

IvyPanda uses cookies and similar technologies to enhance your experience, enabling functionalities such as:

  • Basic site functions
  • Ensuring secure, safe transactions
  • Secure account login
  • Remembering account, browser, and regional preferences
  • Remembering privacy and security settings
  • Analyzing site traffic and usage
  • Personalized search, content, and recommendations
  • Displaying relevant, targeted ads on and off IvyPanda

Please refer to IvyPanda's Cookies Policy and Privacy Policy for detailed information.

Required Cookies & Technologies
Always active

Certain technologies we use are essential for critical functions such as security and site integrity, account authentication, security and privacy preferences, internal site usage and maintenance data, and ensuring the site operates correctly for browsing and transactions.

Site Customization

Cookies and similar technologies are used to enhance your experience by:

  • Remembering general and regional preferences
  • Personalizing content, search, recommendations, and offers

Some functions, such as personalized recommendations, account preferences, or localization, may not work correctly without these technologies. For more details, please refer to IvyPanda's Cookies Policy.

Personalized Advertising

To enable personalized advertising (such as interest-based ads), we may share your data with our marketing and advertising partners using cookies and other technologies. These partners may have their own information collected about you. Turning off the personalized advertising setting won't stop you from seeing IvyPanda ads, but it may make the ads you see less relevant or more repetitive.

Personalized advertising may be considered a "sale" or "sharing" of the information under California and other state privacy laws, and you may have the right to opt out. Turning off personalized advertising allows you to exercise your right to opt out. Learn more in IvyPanda's Cookies Policy and Privacy Policy.

1 / 1