URGENT STUDIES NEEDED ON THE PREVALENCE PATTERNS AND LINKS TO THE USE OF PESTICIDES

URGENT STUDIES NEEDED ON THE

 PREVALENCE PATTERNS AND LINKS TO THE

USE OF PESTICIDES

         

          Idukki also faceses health risks from indiscriminate use of pesticides. Idukki district,as elsewhere in the state from the excessive and indiscriminate use of pesticides in plantations and vegetable gardens has risen. Several hospitals in Idukki district have reported a rise in instances of chronic poisoning. Cancers such as those affecting the intestinal tract,blood, lungs and liver and congenial abnormalities are seemingly on the rise too. Research studies are needed to reach conclusive scientific findings on the correlation. the banned Endosuslfan was being liberally used in cardamom platations in the district. the supplies came from Tamil Nadu.

          The pesticides were sprayed every 15 to 18 days on the cardamom estates. Thus there would be 18 to 25 sprays a year against the recommended seven rounds a year.Pesticides commonly used in cardamom an tea estates had been found to be very toxic to all forms of life. A doctor at Kattapana said that 10 to20 persons had come to him with symtoms of lung cancer in past one year.

          Idukki district has eight registered and several un recognised special schools for mentally retarded. Altogether,the Idukki district has more than 750 mentally retarded children in registered special schools. A doctor at the Pampadumpara Public Health Center(PHC) said  a Health Department survey in four wards of the pampadumpara panchayat covering nearly 1000 families reported 20 cancer cases. the doctor said abortion rates were high in this area compared to other area. Doctor said that the high rates of suicides in the district could also be owing to depressive illness caused by pesticides. Nearly 90 people in the age group of 20 to45 years had committed suicide in last few years.

          Pestcides eliminated many invertebrates in the district and locality and caused fish kills.Many estates used an overdose of pesticides. As vegetables and other agriculture products from the district are sold outside parts of the state are also at risk. The cardamom cultivators in Idukki district not only use of pesticides but also apply allopathic medicines. Steroids,such as wysolone,antibiotics,aspirin are in common use.The farmers belive that these will check pests.

Prof.JohnKurakar