HEALTH ALERT: Pesticides on vegetables, a killer recipe!!

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Deadly chemicals effects

*Malathion: Is a neurotoxin and can cause leukemia, ulcers, allergic reactions and immuno suppression.

*Carbaryl: May damage the kidneys and nervous system and cause non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma.

*Endosulfan (banned): Affects kidneys, liver, reproductive organs.

*Dimethoate: Can cause birth defects, reproductive toxicity and carcinogenicity.

*Phorate: Has neurological, neuromuscular effects.

*Carbofuran: Affects the nervous system.

*Chlorpyrifos: Causes headaches, blurred vision, fatigue, depression, affects concentration, memory.

Alternatives to use of pesticides

Experts say that even though the use of chemical pesticides can't be totally checked, its harmful effects can be minimised to a great extent by use of natural pesticides like neem cakes, educating farmers and introducing a proper monitoring system.

The NIN scientist, Dr Padmaja Rambabu, who has undertaken a project to educate farm women to minimise the use of pesticide at the farm and household levels, said, “Farmers should be continuously made aware of the proper use of pesticides, in the right dose and the right type, and should be encouraged to use natural pest-control measures. The government should also provide protective kits to the cultivators. Those having space in their homes can grow a kitchen garden.”

To minimise or neutralise the effects of pesticide residues, doctors advise consumers to thoroughly wash raw vegetables in running water, boil or cook them properly and avoid eating salads or raw vegetables in hotels and restaurants.

A strong consumer movement to push for organic farming, without the use of pesticides, and supporting farmers and companies that do not use chemicals in the food chain, are other ways of ensuring we eat and stay healthy.

This is what I alerted in, "What Chemical Residues on our food can do to us?"
 at, http://prmadhura3.blogspot.com/2011/04/what-chemical-residues-on-our-food-can.html

Full story at,

http://www.deccanchronicle.com/channels/cities/hyderabad/pesticides-vegetables-killer-recipe-723