What are the advantages and disadvantages of pesticides?
Pesticides are used worldwide to manage agricultural pests. They kill and
repel unwanted pests, but also cause many human deaths each year.
Advantages of pesticides:
The benefits of pesticides include increased food production, increased
profits for farmers and the prevention of diseases. Although pests consume or harm a large portion of agricultural crops,
without the use of pesticides, it is likely that they would consume a higher
percentage. Due to the use of pesticides, it is possible to combat pests and produce
larger quantities of food.
Disadvantages of pesticides:
When pesticides are used, they do not always stay in the location where
they are applied. They are mobile in the environment and often move through water,
air, and soil. The problem with pesticide mobility is that when they travel, the
pesticides come in contact with other organisms and can cause harm. Pesticides have also been shown to disrupt the balance of an ecosystem. In
many situations, when a pesticide is used, it also kills non-pest organisms.
Pesticides are used worldwide to manage agricultural pests. They kill and repel unwanted pests, but also cause many human deaths each year.
Advantages of pesticides:
The benefits of pesticides include increased food production, increased profits for farmers and the prevention of diseases. Although pests consume or harm a large portion of agricultural crops, without the use of pesticides, it is likely that they would consume a higher percentage. Due to the use of pesticides, it is possible to combat pests and produce larger quantities of food.
Disadvantages of pesticides:
When pesticides are used, they do not always stay in the location where they are applied. They are mobile in the environment and often move through water, air, and soil. The problem with pesticide mobility is that when they travel, the pesticides come in contact with other organisms and can cause harm. Pesticides have also been shown to disrupt the balance of an ecosystem. In many situations, when a pesticide is used, it also kills non-pest organisms.
