What are pesticides?

Pesticides are designed to kill living things such as insects and plants considered to be weeds. They may be applied as sprays, seed-coatings or soil treatments. They can be synthetic or natural substances. Their application may be targeted or systemic (taken up by plants and spread to all parts – including pollen and nectar). They can be broad spectrum (toxic over a wide range of organisms), or selective (used against a specific target). They can remain toxic for days or several years.

What’s the problem?

Pesticides aren’t just used in agriculture. A wide range of different pesticides (including insecticides, herbicides, fungicides and rodenticides) are used in our towns and cities. In fact, other than residues in food, the most usual way for the majority of people in the UK to be exposed to pesticides is through spending time in urban, public areas. Local councils are one of the main users: spraying pesticides in parks, playgrounds and other green spaces. Glyphosate is the pesticide most widely used by local authorities in the UK. This chemical has been linked to serious human health problems, including cancers and birth defects.

Harm to humans

Pesticides harm non-target species, including humans. Children are particularly vulnerable to the negative health impacts associated with pesticides as they are more likely to play in areas that have been treated, such as parks and schools.

Harm to insects and loss of biodiversity

Insects are killed when exposed to a lethal dose of insecticides. Non-lethal, lower level exposure will still have detrimental effects, e.g. neonicotinoids at sub-lethal exposure have negatively affected bumblebees’:

• ability to navigate,
• foraging efficiency,
• reproductive success and
• ability to overcome other stresses (like food shortages or pathogens).