Pesticide risks include short- and long-term health effects, such as increased cancer risk and disruption to critical systems in the body.
At In Harmony, concern about pesticide risks isn’t new. It’s been central to our work for more than 30 years. When we founded the company in 1994, our goal was to offer a natural, sustainable alternative to the chemical-heavy landscape practices that dominated the industry at the time.
Today, research continues to link pesticide exposure to both short- and long-term health effects. These include increased cancer risk and disruption to critical systems in the body, including the nervous, reproductive, immune and metabolic systems.
Our approach is rooted in prevention. We believe that a healthy, thriving landscape is the most effective defense against pests like weeds, insects and diseases. That’s why we only consider pesticide use as a last resort, after other integrated pest management strategies have failed.
What are pesticides?
Pesticides are a broad category of chemicals designed to control specific types of pests. Common types include:
- Insecticides, used to kill insects (such as organophosphates, carbamates and pyrethroids)
- Herbicides, used to control weeds (a common herbicide is glyphosate, marketed as Roundup)
- Fungicides, which target fungi, molds and mildews
- Rodenticides, designed for rodents like mice and rats
- Nematicides, used against parasitic nematodes
- Acaricides, which control mites and ticks
Pesticide risks
Many studies highlight the potential dangers of pesticide exposures. A systematic review published through the National Library of Medicine found that pesticide exposure is associated with increased risks of cancer, neurological disorders and other chronic health issues. These risks are especially pronounced for people with prolonged pesticide contact, such as farmworkers and pesticide applicators. It found long-term effects from low-dose exposure through inhalation and ingestion.
Impacts on the central nervous system
Pesticide exposure can lead to a broad range of central nervous system disorders. Insecticides, particularly carbamates, organophosphates and pyrethroids, can damage or disrupt the nervous system. Short-term exposure can cause symptoms such as headaches and dizziness. Long-term exposure has been linked to developmental delays in children, cognitive impairment and neurodegenerative diseases such as Parkinson’s and Alzheimer’s.
Reproductive health concerns
Research shows that pesticide exposure has a significant negative impact on reproductive health. According to the Centers for Disease Control, human studies have linked some pesticides, particularly insecticides, with problems including:
- Hormonal changes
- Reduced fertility
- Miscarriages
- Birth defects
- Learning or developmental disabilities in children
Cancer risk
Pesticide exposure may increase cancer risk by suppressing the immune system, weakening its ability to detect and destroy abnormal cells. A research review found links between pesticide exposure and cancers such as non-Hodgkin lymphoma, leukemia and some solid tumors, especially brain and prostate cancer. Some studies also suggest that exposure during pregnancy or early childhood may elevate these risks.
Effects on the metabolic system
Research shows that pesticides may interfere with the body’s metabolic processes. This includes disrupting energy absorption, altering gut bacteria and increasing oxidative stress. Long-term, low-level exposure may lead to conditions such as obesity, insulin resistance and type 2 diabetes.
Respiratory issues
Most research on respiratory effects focuses on occupational exposure, finding higher rates of asthma, wheezing and chronic bronchitis in farmworkers, pesticide applicators and industrial workers. However, people living near agricultural areas have similar symptoms.
Why children are especially vulnerable
Children face a higher risk from pesticide exposure than adults. Their bodies are rapidly growing and developing, which means any exposure has more severe consequences. Studies found that increased cancer risks were higher for children than for adults exposed to pesticides. And children are more likely to be exposed because they play on the lawn and ground.
According to the Environmental Protection Agency, short-term exposure, such as a child being present when pesticides are sprayed, can cause immediate symptoms like headaches, dizziness, nausea and muscle tingling or weakness. Long-term exposure may cause serious health effects such as:
- Birth defects
- Learning disabilities
- Behavioral changes
- Organ damage
- Certain cancers, including leukemia, breast cancer and brain tumors
- Asthma
Research also shows higher rates of leukemia in children whose parents used insecticides in the home and garden and whose mothers were exposed while pregnant.
We can help
We offer natural lawn, tree, and shrub care to help your landscape stay healthy and better resist weeds, pests, and disease. We also design and install sustainable landscapes that are built to thrive naturally. Ready to get started? Contact us to learn more.
