Chemicals
What is the main chemical in pesticides and herbicides?
Glyphosate
What group of people is exposed most to pesticides and herbicides?
Farmers and Agriculturalists
Do pesticides and herbicides impact the economy positively or negatively?
Positively
When did organic synthetic pesticides and herbicides begin to get used?
1930s
Is sulphur metallic or non-metallic?
Non-metallic
What percentage of the working population related to agriculture is exposed to glyphosate?
11-13%
Name one benefit from using pesticides and herbicides.
Increases crop yield
Increases mass production of food
Increases revenue for the economy
Higher profit for farmers.
When did pesticides and herbicides use become popular?
1940s
What is the increase (hectares) of glyphosate from 2005-2022?
30%
How is human health impacted by pesticides and herbicides?
Eye irritation
Respiratory issues
Skin irritation
How much do agriculturalists in agrochemicals get paid?
80,000-87,000 annually
What was the ancient method used before pesticides?
sulphur, a more safer chemical element.
How do chemicals in pesticides and herbicides affect aquatic life?
The chemicals in pesticides and herbicides runoff into bodies of water contaminating them, and harming living organisms.
What do Indigenous communities have against pesticides and herbicides?
Disrupts their cultural practices
Contaminates their water sources
Contaminates their food sources
How do pesticides and herbicides contribute to mass production?
Allows farmers to harvest healthy crops in larger quantities.
When did pesticide use start becoming an issue?
1950s and 1960s
THINKING: Do we use products with chemicals that can be found in pesticides and herbicides and why?
Yes we do, cleaning supplies and spray-bottled pesticide and herbicide products contain chemicals used in the farming pesticides and herbicides.
THINKING: What did the excessive use of pesticides and herbicides spike in local communities?
Controversy as it is damaging the environment but also providing them cheaper food products in stores.
THINKING: Would the government choose to fix the issue on pesticides after backlash or continue focusing on the economic benefits? Explain.
The government would likely choose to focus on the economy, as industries rely on harmful practices like these, and without all of them, the economy would drop, and many will lose jobs.
THINKING: What civilization(s) used the ancient methods of pesticides and herbicides?
Ancient Egypt
Ancient Chinese
Ancient Sumerians