Pesticides
CCCEH staff visiting mother and baby in hospital.
Pesticides are chemicals that prevent or destroy unwanted pests such as insects, rodents, and fungi. Since pesticides are designed to hurt or kills living things, it is not surprising that they can harm humans too. Babies and children are more vulnerable to pesticides than adults as their bodies are in the process of developing defenses against toxicants and do not yet provide adequate protection. Exposure to chemical-based pesticides early in life can permanently change the way biological systems function. Children’s nervous system and brain function can be adversely affected and some research studies have shown a link to increased cancer risk.
Pesticides get into our bodies from pest sprays in the air we breathe and from fruits and vegetables that we eat. Pregnant women pass their contact with pesticides on to their unborn babies. Children have greater exposure to pesticides than adults as they spend more time on the floor and grass where pesticides are commonly applied, put objects in their mouths, and may eat more foods contaminated with pesticides.
What We Know About Pesticides
Research being conducted at the Columbia Center for Children’s Environmental Health is showing that exposure to pesticides during pregnancy harms the healthy growth and development of babies in the womb and adversely affects development in early childhood.
Smaller newborns — Pregnant women in our Mothers & Newborns Study in Northern Manhattan and the South Bronx who were exposed to high levels of residential pesticides containing the organophosphates, chlorpyrifos and diazinon, had smaller babies than women who were exposed less. After the United States Environmental Protection Agency banned these substances from home pesticide products in 2000 and 2001, our studies documented decreased exposure in pregnant women to these particular organophosphates, and improved newborn growth. However, chlorpyrifos and diazinon is still used on food crops and enter our bodies when we eat fruits or vegetables sprayed with these chemicals. And stores can still sell other residential pesticide products that may be just as harmful as the banned substances.
Delayed movement, learning — A CCCEH study published in the December 2006 issue of the American Academy of Pediatrics journal, Pediatrics, showed a link between pesticide exposure and child development. Children who were prenatally exposed to chlorpyrifos (also called Dursban) had significantly poorer cognitive and motor development at three years of age and increased risk for behavior problems. Children with higher exposure in the womb were also more likely to be more active and have difficulties paying attention than other 3-year-olds. The extent of health effects observed is comparable to what past studies have shown about children exposed to lead and tobacco smoke. These early delays affect children’s ability to learn and their later school performance.
What You Can Do
There are many things we can do as individuals to minimize our exposure to pesticides. Even small changes can help to sustain the long-term health of your children.
- Avoid using residential pesticides in the forms of sprays, bombs, and fogs. Lower-toxic pesticides, such as microbial pesticides, in the form of sticky traps, bait stations, and gels, are safe to use, last longer, and are more effective.
- Throw away old pest control products. Don’t use products that have chlorpyrifos (also called Dursban) and diazinon. Examples include Tres Pasitos, Tempo, or Tiza China (Chinese Chalk). These rat and roach poisons are dangerous for children.
- Plug small cracks with caulk to keep out pests; for bigger holes, use steel wool or copper mesh and spackling compound.
Integrated Pest Management
Integrated Pest Management (IPM) is a safe and good way to keep your home free of pests and toxic pesticides. During pregnancy, IPM reduces pests in your home and the level of harmful pesticides you breathe that can reach your unborn baby. Using IPM after pregnancy keeps your child safe from pesticides that may harm early development. IPM uses three main tools:
- Cleaning — Keep kitchen clean of food spills and crumbs to remove food so pests don’t come looking for food.
- Low-toxicity pest control products — Use sticky traps, bait stations, gels, and boric acid to control pests safely and effectively.
- Building repairs — Repair leaky pipes and close large holes, cracks, and crevices in your apartment to block pest entry points and eliminate breeding sites.
Resources
More information on pesticides:
- U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
- National Resources Defense Council
- Kids Health: “Pesticide-Related Illness”
Information on how to read a pesticide product label:
Find professionals using Integrated Pest Management (IPM):