Effects of dangerous chemicals present in the environment on the health of rural people in the South Western region of Punjab

Abstract

The Malwa region of Punjab, India, is facing an unprecedented crisis of environmental health linked to indiscriminate, excessive and unsafe use of pesticides, fertilizers and poor groundwater quality. International evidence is indicative of the fact that agriculture revolution has generated the much needed food security and at the same time it has raised alarming signs for the ecology also. Punjab, being the granary state of India, has been the leader of the Green Revolution. Punjab is the leading state in terms consumption of chemical fertilizers and pesticides per hectare. Studies of this region have also highlighted a sharp increase in many other pesticide-related diseases, such as mental retardation, cancer and reproductive disorders. The most affected individuals are the agricultural workers who are directly exposed to pesticides. There is a higher concentration of bromine in the water samples in the south-west Punjab. The high use of pesticides, along with environmental and social factors, is responsible for the high concentration of pesticide residues in the food chain of this region. Moreover, many banned and restricted pesticides are still in use in this region, warranting People need to be sensitized regarding the judicious use of natural resources to minimize the risk caused by unmindful human endeavor. The present review describes environmental and social factors associated with chemicals used in the south western region of Punjab.