Pesticides are certainly effective at killing insects and other pests on a farm. The use of pesticides can help to protect crops and increase food production rates. For all of these reasons and more, they were celebrated when they were first developed.
However, many states have now taken steps to ban pesticides. For instance, New York enacted the “Birds and the Bees Protection Act” in 2023, which bans specific neonics (neonicotinoid pesticides) that were used on wheat, corn, soybeans and more. Why is it that states are banning these effective treatment methods?
They are harmful to humans
First and foremost, exposure to pesticides can be harmful to people. Those who suffer from short-term exposure could have acute symptoms like a rash, an upset stomach or trouble breathing. Those who experience long-term exposure – such as someone who spends decades eating vegetables coated in pesticides – can experience chronic symptoms, which can even include birth defects and reproductive issues. In the worst cases, pesticide exposure could be fatal.
They are harmful to the environment
But it’s more than just the impact on humans directly. Pesticides also harm the environment. They can especially harm birds, bees and other pollinators – thus the name of the act in New York. When these vulnerable parts of the ecosystem suffer harm, it has a notable environmental impact all the way up the food chain.
Because laws are always changing – and brand new environmental acts are being signed into law – it is very important for all business owners to know what regulations they must follow and what legal steps to take.
