Chemical pesticides are mostly used where large scale pest control measures are required. They not only exterminate pest population at one stroke, but also prevent their recurrence. But their negative impact on the environment and ecology is not fathomed fully yet. A lot of research results have come out lambasting the use of these poison compounds.



The greatest drawback is that it these poisons does not discriminate between harmful and harmless creatures that come in their way. Regular exposure can even harm the user too. Residue from these poisonous substances eventually gets into the vegetable and fruits on which they are applied, resulting in people ingesting lethal amounts of poison with harmful effects. Cases of physical and nervous disorders detected to be caused by over-use of insecticides now almost equal to that caused by pests itself.

Another irony about chemical pesticides is that even though they exterminate pests, they also help the pests developing increased resistance to these poisons, necessitating the use of more quantities in subsequent years. This further perverts the already injured habitat. It has been estimated that more than 95 percent of applied insecticides reach targets other than what was intended. Friendly species, air, water and soil have been perverted to a great extent due to the extensive use of them.

However, apologists for chemical pesticides point out that there is no justification to the argument for totally abandoning or banning them. Some even aver that the economies included in the sale and usage of these poisons and their positive effects - like ensuring food security - far outweigh their negative impacts. Research activities for developing new chemical pesticides with less negative impact on environment and its inhabitants are gathering speed. Many leading international brands are also into this activity.

Considering that awareness in the field is increasing and manufacturers are taking note of the mood of the masses, there is a bright chance that eco-friendly pesticides cutting out the chances of ecological imbalances may be available in the near future.