The use of antibiotics has been a common practice in agriculture and medicine for decades. These chemicals are used to kill or control pests, such as insects, fungi, mosquitoes, grasshoppers, and armyworms. However, when pesticides are applied, they can evaporate into the air and become airborne, leading to contamination of the air we breathe. They can also have adverse impacts on the environment, including air pollution.
On the other hand, antibiotics are a type of medication that is used to treat bacterial infections in humans and animals. However, when antibiotics are administered to animals in agriculture, they can also end up in the environment and contribute to air pollution.
Pesticides and herbicides are widely used in agriculture to protect crops from pests and diseases. While they have certainly brought benefits in terms of increased agricultural productivity and crop yields, they also pose several challenges and have various impacts on the environment, human health, and ecosystems.
The main way that pesticides and antibiotics contribute to air pollution is through the process of volatilization, where they evaporate into the air and become airborne. Once in the air, these chemicals can be transported over long distances and deposited in other areas, leading to contamination of the air and potential harm to human health.
The effects of pesticide and antibiotic use on air quality can be significant. These chemicals can contribute to the formation of particulate matter, which is a type of air pollution that has been linked to respiratory and cardiovascular problems. They can also contribute to the formation of ground-level ozone, which can cause respiratory irritation and exacerbate asthma. And it’s also the main cause of climate variation.
Antibiotics can have detrimental effects on the environment. When sprayed, they can contaminate soil, water bodies. That can leach into groundwater or runoff into nearby water bodies, leading to water contamination. This contamination can affect drinking water supplies, aquatic ecosystems, and the organisms dependent on them. Some pesticides are persistent and can remain in the environment for extended periods, leading to long-term contamination. And also Pesticides do not discriminate between harmful pests and beneficial organisms, such as pollinators, bees, birds, fish, and other wildlife. Pesticides can disrupt ecosystems, affecting biodiversity and ecological balance.
The leading executive of plant protection with the Ministry of Agriculture, Belayneh Nigusse, told Ethiopian Press Agency that farmers are using pesticides and herbicides more commonly, primarily for agricultural output. However, the contamination of the climate and soil fertility is mostly due to this chemical.
Research shows that exposure to chemicals like pesticides and others can pose risks to human health. Farmers, farm workers, and individuals living near agricultural areas are particularly vulnerable. Antibiotics may enter the human body through inhalation, skin absorption, or the ingestion of contaminated food. Long-term exposure to certain pesticides has been associated with various health issues, including respiratory problems, neurological disorders, reproductive problems, and even certain types of cancer.
He said that to ensure that this substance does not cause significant harm, prevention measures are being taken. To prevent pests like locusts and armyworms, he stated that solutions are being developed.
Furthermore, to address the issue of pesticide and antibiotic pollution in air conditions, several regulations and strategies have been implemented by the government. Not only the government but also private companies and smallholder farmers must set limits on the number of pesticides that can be used in agriculture and have also established requirements for monitoring and reporting air emissions from pesticides.
There is growing interest in alternative methods of pest control which emphasizes the use of non-chemical methods to control pests. Similarly, there is growing interest in reducing the use of antibiotics in agriculture, through measures such as improved animal husbandry practices and the use of alternative treatments for animal illnesses.
According to him, a lot of chemicals were sprayed, and it’s necessary to know how much chemical needs to be sprayed, when, and where.
And he also stated that utilizing agricultural products that are disease resistant can also help to mitigate the matter.
Moreover, while pesticides and antibiotics can be effective tools in controlling pests
and treating infections, they can also have negative impacts on air quality and human health. It is important to continue to monitor and regulate the use of these chemicals and to explore alternative methods of pest control and disease treatment that minimize their impact on our environment.
He mentioned that this is to carry out integrated pest control activities to rises awareness among farmers about locusts and army worms and to inform various agricultural experts so that when pests occur they can be eliminated before they breed to a large number.
Minimizing the harmful effects of pesticides and herbicides in Ethiopia needs a combination of regulatory measures, agricultural practices, and public awareness campaigns to educate consumers about the potential risks associated with pesticide residues in food and the necessity of choosing products produced using sustainable and eco-friendly practices. So, enhance and enforce regulations related to the import, sale, and use of pesticides and herbicides. This includes setting standards for pesticide residues in food, setting restricted zones near reservoirs, and ensuring proper labelling and instructions for safe use.
Besides, government agencies, research institutions, non-governmental organizations, and farmers’ associations should work in close collaboration to address pesticide-related challenges. This includes sharing knowledge, best practices, and resources to develop and implement sustainable pesticide management strategies. And also, continued research is needed to better understand the impact of pesticides and antibiotics on air quality and human health and to develop more effective and sustainable alternatives. It is also important for individuals to be aware of the potential risks associated with these chemicals and to take steps to reduce their exposure. By working together, we can help to protect the air we breathe and ensure a healthier future for ourselves and the planet.
BY FIKADU BELAY
THE ETHIOPIAN HERALD SUNDAY EDITION 6 AUGUST 2023
