Comments on: Canadians Continue To Ask for Pesticide Bans

By: Aviva Glaser

Aviva Glaser — Wed, 14 Mar 2007 18:34:59 +0000

Hi Hannah-

While there is no definitive link between ADHD and ADD and pesticides, there are a number of studies which point to a connection between the two. For instance, a recent study published in the journal of the American Academy of Pediatrics linked the organophosphate insecticide chlorpyrifos, which is commonly used on fruits and vegetables (especially corn and soy), with delays in learning rates, reduced physical coordination, behavioral problems in children, and especially with ADHD. Beyond Pesticides covered the study in January: http://www.beyondpesticides.org/news/daily_news_archive/2007/01_05_07.htm.

There are other studies out there too; one demonstrates a clear genetic link between neurological disorders such as ADHD and exposure to organophosphate pesticides: http://www.beyondpesticides.org/news/daily_news_archive/2003/03_19_03.htm. Another study links exposure to certain common pesticides, such as carbaryl, to adverse cognitive and behavioral effects in mice and other subjects. For more information, read “Do Pesticides Affect Learning and Behavior? The neuro-endocrine-immune connection” by Dr. Warren Porter: http://www.beyondpesticides.org/infoservices/pesticidesandyou/Spring%2004/Pesticides%20Learning%20Behavior.pdf.

-Aviva

By: Hannah Simpson

Hannah Simpson — Wed, 14 Mar 2007 15:24:18 +0000

I am under going a research project for college to find out the link between the rise in ADHD and ADD cases and pesticides. I found this page educational and of good use. If it would be possible to receive further information or advisable contacts on this subject it would be much appreciated.
Thank you
Hannah Simpson.

By: Ahmad Mahdavi

Ahmad Mahdavi — Sat, 10 Mar 2007 21:46:25 +0000

How pesticides are handled in developing countries:
Pesticides have a dilemma nature and because of this nature to use them safely there must be done lots of research and there should exist lots of laws and regulations and enforcement, now let say that this is followed correctly in developed countries where the industry exists but the story and scenario is quiet different in developing countries. In most of these developing countries there are no research/ regulations or if there is it is not followed / enforced absolutely and this is the problem and because it deals with the life of people and health of the environment it is a real big problem. When it comes to spraying technology and worker protection it is never practiced by ordinary farmers in these countries. These are my personal experiences/ observations during more than 35 years being involved in pesticide science work. Living more than 15 years in Mazandaran, Golastan and Gillan the three beautiful Northern Provinces of Iran by the Caspian Sea I observed so many cases of pesticide intoxication. This is because people do their spraying without any protective clothing, most of times with bare foot and body because of hot weather and with any type of spraying equipment that they can find and they use lots of pesticides in their rice paddies, cotton fields and citrus orchards etc.
So as a result where there is no scientific research and laws and regulations as in developing countries then most use of pesticides should stop because no rules are followed

Ahmad Mahdavi,
PhD, environmental toxicologist,
Guelph, Ontario.
biomahda@yahoo.ca