Environmental and Health Impact of Agriculture Chemicals: Paraguat, Chlorpyrifos and Glyphosate in Thailand

Abstract

Nowadays, Paraquat and Chlorpyrifos are banned in Thailand and there is a limit on the use of Glyphosate in the country by the government to control the use of these toxic chemicals. These are some of the most commonly used agricultural pesticides. Even though, the chemicals are beneficial for the plants but they are not so much for the health of the farmers and people involved in the production and execution of the chemicals. Thailand is a very progressive agricultural country and there is a huge chunk of the whole population that is related with the agricultural industry. Agriculturing provides a lot of financial benefits to the country through its import and export throughout the year. To maintain the quality of all the plants and crops, the use of chemicals has become more frequent and prominent in Thailand. Vegetables like Chinese cabbage, collards, basil leaves, red chili and cabbage respectively have a high amount of pesticide residue. Similarly, fruits like Tangerine, rose apple, guava, grape and papaya respectively also have the remains of these toxic pesticides. Using organic vegetables and fruits is highly recommended because they are safe from chemicals and pesticides. Harmful agricultural chemicals also effect human health in several ways: skin irritation, nausea, abdominal pain, diarrhea, brain damage, negative impact on pregnant women and coma/death. In the country, 73% are aware of the effects of pesticides on human health which is a positive indicator that more people will try to control the use of these chemicals. The government of Thailand is also performing its job very effectively regarding the regulation of pesticides in the country, that is why most of the people in the country are satisfied with the laws and regularity of toxic agriculture chemicals in Thailand.