Agrochemicals, land pollution and public health concerns

Overview
The science of testing soil has revolutionized agriculture and the other social and

economic activities that are carried out on the soil. Soil testing reveals the composition of the soil

both chemical and physical. This allows for further analysis that can be used to make crucial

projections. Such projections include the fertility of the soil and its ability to support certain

crops and during which periods or seasons (Kong et al. 2013, p8129-8138). This study will focus

on analyzing the effects of agrochemicals on human health. Agrochemicals are major cause of

pollution. According to Sellare et al. (2020), the chemicals are introduced to the human body

through air and soil pollutants. This is because rainwater has a high composition of minerals that

can alter the soil chemical composition and consequently the soil PH. The toxins from the

chemicals contribute to a myriad of effects to the human systems which translates to adverse

health effects. Who records over 3million people reporting poisoning from food contamination

yearly due to toxic chemicals from the agrichemicals.

Agrochemical are serious land pollutants is agricultural land. The prevalent use of

pesticides, insecticides, fertilizers and other chemicals during the growing of crops leads to such

being deposited on the land. The composition of the soil is crucial to crop growing. Rainwater

carries several chemicals as it pours into the soil. Soil is polluted by air pollutants. When fossil

fuels and chemical toxins are introduced into the air which then fall back into the ground through

rain and leaching process (Petra and Odagiu, 2018, 3). This affects the chemical composition of

the soil. However, how and the extent to which rainwater affects the chemical composition of the

soil is not clear. The focus of soil testing will be on the mineral content of minerals such as

Phosphorous (P), Nitrogen (N), Potassium (K) and the soil PH. Soil fertility determination and
soil health determination can provide certainty in the projections by the farmers when they are

doing their planning of farming.

Agrochemicals and soil pollution

Agriculture is one of the major economic activities in both the country and across the

world. Soil, therefore, is an important resource to the farmers. Soil contamination occurs either

by human activities or because of natural processes. However, mostly farming activities have

been the larges contributors towards changes in soil composition. The soil pollutants occurs

when there is added chemicals and minerals into the soil. Petra and Odagiu (2018) argue that

these pollutants are due to the pesticides, fertilizers, herbicides and petroleum hydrocarbons such

as naphthalene. In excess amounts they cause major degradation of soil composition. Crop yields

are affected by the soil composition. As a result, farmers need certainty as to the crop growth and

projection of yield and this would need an understanding of the composition of the soil and its

effects on its productivity (Noor and Seyed, 2013, p172-177). Soil fertility determination and soil

health determination can provide certainty in the projections by the farmers when they are doing

their planning of farming. a major effect of rain water on the soil's chemical composition (Petra

and Odagiu, 2018, 4). The rain water is especially expected to affect the composition of

Phosphorous (P), Nitrogen (N), Potassium (K) minerals in the soil as well as the soil PH.

There are different aspects of farming that affect the chemical composition of the soil.

This includes the use of chemicals such as sprays and fertilizer to enhance crop yield. The

quantity and the efficacy of such farm inputs are calculated and often can be determined as to

their effect on the soil chemical composition (Sellare et al., 2020, p176). However, the rain water

effect on the chemical composition cannot be estimated as the rain pour chemical composition

and its effect on the water has not been determined.

Ground pollution
Pollution has adverse effects on environmental health. The pollutants introduced into the

environment cause harm and instability to the ecosystem. Pollution, in general sense, has a

myriad of effects to health outcomes of humans and animals. Pollutants get ingested in various

forms which direct or indirect change any component of the biosphere contributing to the harm

of the living components and is undesirable for man. The effects are impact the industrial

progress, cultural and natural assets or general environment of the society. Environmental

pollution ca result from natural events such as active volcanoes (Petra and Odagiu, 2018, 4).

Pollution is implicit of the contaminants through an anthropogenic source; sources created by

human activities. Pollutants include those from chemical or geochemical (dust, sediment, grit

etc.) properties in land activities. Use of insecticides, pesticides, and fertilizers has grown

causing emission of harmful chemicals into the air which is then absorbed into the atmosphere

and later introduced to the ground through leaching process. The harmful toxins to be released

into the atmosphere and when rain falls, the water droplets combine with such oxides causing

acid rain which is harmful.

Agricultural activities are a serious land pollutant is agricultural activities. The prevalent

use of pesticides, fertilizers and other chemicals during the growing of crops leads to such being

deposited on the land. The concentrations of pollutants choke soil pH levels leading to adverse

effects to both plants and animal life (Sewell et a., 2021, p127). Aerosols make it hard for

oxygen to dissolve thus limiting the physiological mechanism of the leaving organisms. In

addition, it leads to a disruption of the food chain since pollutants like lead and cadmium are

eaten by some of the livestock animals. The ecosystem ends up destroyed with the extinction of

animal and plant species. Besides, it results in forces some of the indigenous water species to
seek other cooler waters due to the ecological shift. Water pollution has greater effects on the

aquatic life's health.

Agricultural pollution
Agriculture has a myriad of processes that have evident contribution towards land/soil

pollution. The use of fertilizers in agricultural production have increased the crop yield of most

farmers. However, the introduction of new mineral and chemical composition into the soil and

plants have reduced the quality of soil. The use of pesticide, for instance, introduce toxins into

the systems of the plants and animals. These are absorbed into the root systems of plants and

later fed to the animals who then impacts the health of humans (Sellare et al., 2020, p176).

Chemicals that are washed into the soils change the soil composition and poison the ground

water system. The runoff water introduce the chemical components by rain and irrigation and

contaminate the water system and which get deposited in other locations.

Agrochemicals are essential in farming practices. Its application is on the fertilizers and

in the killing of pests and weeds. These chemicals may contain excess amounts of certain

carcinogens that impact the health of living organisms. The excessive use of such compounds

alters the soil composition especially when they are leached into the soil when it rains (Sellare et

al., 2020, p176). Rain water dissolves the contaminants which then are absorbed by plants. Once,

ingested the plants may cause radical effects on the animals and humans. The washed-out water

in the drainage systems also kills organism who are reliant on it for their survival (Petra and

odagiu, 2018, 6). Besides, the agrochemicals are responsible for altering the genetic makeup of

plant and animal cells. Pesticide and herbicides have been used to sustain crop production.

However, over use of such chemicals causes harm to the ecosystem that is vital to both public

and environmental health. The duration and route of exposure of such chemicals contributes to
an individual health status (Sellare et al., 2020, p176). There are numerous negative health

effects from the use of agrochemicals including dermatological, carcinogenic, gastrointestinal,

respiratory, neurological, and endocrine effects. Besides, high occupational, accidental, or

intentional exposure to such chemicals leads to hospitalization or fatalities.

Use of pesticides and herbicides

Pesticides are intentionally applied by humans in various areas such as in the homestead

and in the agricultural fields. The main impact of these pesticides is to kill the specific pests and

weeds that it is designed to kill. Therefore, in most cases, the pesticides are made from toxic

products that can destroy both pest and human life (Sellare et al., 2020, p127). In most cases,

occupational exposure to such toxic pesticides is common among farmers and people who mix

and apply the pesticides in other avenues such as in the home setting. In additional, accidental

exposure is common to this population of people especially in the case of farmers who spray the

pesticides using faulty machines (Elahi et al., 2019, p465). People who are not at risk of

accidental or occupational exposure are also exposed to these pesticides when they eat food,

vegetables, and fruits with pesticides residues. Moreover, the pesticides can run-off during the

rainy season and contaminate earth water that is used for human consumption.

Pesticides and herbicides use can have severe health effects to the general population.

The chloropicrin, for instance, that was applied in the farming fields is blown off by the wind

inform of dust thus causing health problems to people living a quarter mile from the field. The

effects are towards human health is on growing reports of severe eye irritation while others may

develop respiratory symptoms that lasted for almost ten days following the initial exposure

(Sellare et al., 2020, p176). This is a case scenario that proves that pesticide use is harmful to

human health. On the other hand, we cannot remain oblivious to the fact that pesticides have an
important role in agriculture as they kill any pests that may destroy crops; therefore, using such

pesticides can increase crop yield thus increasing food supply to humans. Also, pesticides can be

used to kill pests in our homes such as rats and cockroaches. They can also destroy vectors such

as mosquitoes thus preventing us from some vector-borne diseases. According to Sewell et al.

(2021), pesticides should continue being used because of the immense benefits that are

associated with their use. However, in order to prevent exposure to the public and to the workers,

the pesticides companies must ensure that they provide instructions on the correct dosages that

need to be applied in any case; this will reduce the residue in plants (Petra and Odagiu, 2018).

Also, companies and farming organizations must educate farmers on how to correctly apply

these pesticides in order to avoid occupational exposures and preventing leaching of the

pesticides into underground water.

The effects of agrochemicals on human health

Chemicals in water can be either introduced by human activities or some are naturally

occurring. Fluoride can be beneficial in protection against dental caries and bone weakening, but

in levels higher than required van have adverse effects on human health. According to Elahi et al.

(2019), arsenic naturally occurs, or its levels can be increased by the powering aquifers and

phosphorous fertilizers. High levels can lead to adverse skin lesions. these foods once were taken

make one develop their antibiotic makers within the body. These antibiotics are responsible for

most people not being productive to medication. Most children also tend to produce allergic

reactions once they take these foods (Sellare et al., 2020, p176). Another disadvantage is that all

species of living organisms be it animals, plants or human beings one is always affected by some

of these products. They frequently cause severe illnesses and at times death.
 Fertilizers and pesticides are highly toxic, it damages the kidney and the nervous system

and also interferes with hemoglobin synthesis. The accumulation of high amounts of toxins in

the pesticides onto the food chain is a concern on environmental and public health (Elahi et al.,

2019, p461). It directly affects the human population and epidemiology. The use of herbicides,

fungicides, and insecticides has been associated with high cases of cancer and endocrine illnesses

(Elahi et al., 2019, p470). Also, long term usage of pesticide has been a leading cause of food

poisoning each year. Children are the most vulnerable group to the impact of lead aerosols from

herbicides that contribute toward delayed learning and impairment in neurobehavioral

functioning.

Health protection and food safety policies

Food safety and security policing negates setting rules, targets and structures that will be

designed in ensuring that food quality isn’t compromised by the use of agrochemicals in arm

produce. Food quality is a huge deal when it comes to food contamination. This ensures that all

food produced is of the right chemical composition and free from contaminants from

agrochemicals including high content of fertilizer minerals. Framers have in recent years been

found flaunting the set guidelines in food production. This has led to high wastage and high

cases of food related illnesses (Mariyono et al., 2018). The policy ensures that the health of

consumers is validated and is addressed in consideration of social, economic, ethical, and legal

factors surrounding food safety and security. The food products being exported and imported

have failed to detail the content of agrochemicals used in its contents. The use of sold general

description on the products is a main concern for most consumers. However, the governments

have failed to accord its citizens food safety. The focus on affordability of the product makes it

hard to avoid modified/contaminated foods for the consumers. A strategic plan should be

established on the best inspection measures that guarantee safety by responding to issues related
to farming practices. All fertilizers, herbicides, pesticides and insecticides should meet the set

criteria as defined by a given country. This will in greater extent limit the amounts of the

agrochemicals imported and exported to ensure food sustenance. According to Mariyono et al.,

(2018), food sustainability should consider the health and status of the consumers. Quality food

production goes beyond the bounds of high yields. Both small- and large-scale farmers need to

be educated on the use of agrochemicals to reduce food contamination.

The rise in food trade leads to increased exports and imports of agricultural products.

Agrochemicals cross borders to various countries that are reliant on farm produce. Countries

such as China and the US are leaders in exports of agrichemicals in the developing countries

especially Africa and Asia. The trade measures between the countries and regions need to be

defined in ensuring that safety of the end user is put into consideration (Sewell et al., 2021,

p127). Modern agricultural techniques have grown to be money making machinery that fail to

account on the long-term effects of he produces to the health of the public. The American journal

by CNN, had in recent years reported that most of the food imports from Asia and Africa were

found to contain high amounts of agrochemicals. As a result, the expose was concurrent with the

inquest of why patients lost their lives due to complications from consumption; food is poorly

inspected (Mariyono et al., 2018). The report argued on the prevalence rates and other related

cases on the line of treatment in public health. This has since prompted communities across the

US cities to raise concern on the issue of the safety of imported foods and why they are flooding

the markets. Sustenance of food safety and security crises need to ensure that the beneficiaries of

the Asia and Africa produce are adhered. The farm produces need to be challenged by adherence

of the food safety and security policies in growing and storage of the products (Sewell et al.,

2021, p127). This is, especially, in production of tomatoes, fruits, fresh vegetables, dairy
products, tea, and French beans. The use of risk-based preventive policies in addressing such

cases needs to extend beyond the border controls. There is a heightened narrative in ensuring that

food safety and security policy and controls are maintained by both the importing and exporting

countries.

Recommendations
There are numerous stakeholders involved in agricultural production, public health and

building and maintenance of secure food systems. New approaches towards sustenance of food

production should be established and sustained to ensure public health concerns on

agrochemicals is addressed. Sewell et al. (2021) insist that new agricultural management

strategies should be developed that emphases on adherence to consumer standards and ensuring

that demands for safer products. However, there is an obvious prerequisite for success. A

favorable policy and regulatory environment will ensure that Governments, NGOs, donors,

international organizations and other institutions define their responsibility in land pollution and

food contamination (Sewell et al., 2021, p127). The bodies need to encourage and set the

framework for a transition away from hazardous and undesirable products and practices in

agricultural practices and farming.

People need to be pushed into advised to consider whole based plant and natural diet.

These account for healthier life style and preventing measures of the side effects caused by the

processed foods that contain high agrochemical content. This is due to the absence of toxic

chemicals on natural diets. Regardless of the various policies frame works, institutions developed

by the nation, WHO and other relevant stake holders. Food contaminants have been ad-hoc and a

perpetual disorder to most of the Americans and need to be banned (Sewell et al. 2021, p127).

there needs to be enforcement of mandatory labelling of content of agrichemical products in

action. This ensures that inspection of food sourced from farming activities that fail to adhere to

the core principles.

Conclusion
There are different types of sources that have provided information that shows how food

contamination is leading to reduced mortality rates in human. Agricultural products from

companies often flaunt the set guidelines in ensuring that they are safe to the end user. Many of

the food produce by developing countries is safe to be contaminated due to failure by the farmers

to adhere to the recommended use of agrichemicals on their farm lands. Many may be ignorant

of the designed measures. There is a lot of information both in print media and on the internet on

the effects of pesticides on environmental and human health. Low costing of food production

process is resulting into push by farmers to flaunt the directive of farming procedures. Some do it

to increase yields or even shorten the yielding time. High usage of agrichemicals on land

contributes to land pollution. Most of these toxins get leached in the process and get consumed

by the end users.

There needs to be awareness that limit the usage of agrichemical for food production.

Farmers need to be requested to adhere to the application guidelines while as well labelling their

produce on the contents applied in the farm land. Public and environmental health activists are

showing concern over the number of individuals suffering from cancer and other long-lasting

food contamination diseases. This is as a result of land pollution by agrochemicals more than the

required threshold. Theis has created a huge burden on the government in ensuring that food

imports and exports meet the desired safety concerns. There is a need to start looking at health

risks related to food safety from a national levels instead on focusing on traditional perspectives
that seek to increase food yields and production. The future use of agrochemicals should be

informed on the intention of the society and how best to control and avail regulations on farming

activities and pest and disease control.

 References
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