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Environmental Effects of Pesticides
Pesticides are not a new solution for eradicating pesky insects. The first recorded use of pesticides was in 2500 BC when the Sumerians started using sulfur compounds as pest control. Other early forms of pest control included burning, oil sprays, arsenic, etc. (Pennsylvania Integrated Pest Management)
The first attempt of using predator and prey relations to combat pests was in 1848. French farmers introduced the American insects, to fight off grape phylloxera.
The use of pesticides became increasingly more prevalent after World War II due to the discovery of new chemicals such as DDT, BHC, aldrin, dieldrin, endrin, and 2,4-D.(livinghistoryfarm.org) People noticed that the chemicals were effective at getting rid of the pests, as well as affordable. Under the delusion that theses chemicals were perfectly safe, they applied them everywhere they saw fit.
Since the pests were constantly surrounded by these chemicals, over time some of the insects developed a resistance to them. As well, animals and plants were unintentionally harmed by the chemicals.
A Brief History
Environmental Impacts
Pesticides effect the environment in so many negative ways. From diminishing biodiversity to contaminating water, pesticides do so much harm. To learn more about their effects, click on one of the icons to get a more in depth understanding of how pesticides effect that certain aspect of the environment.