Pesticide alarm in agriculture: Children's health at risk!

Greenpeace Turkey team's analyses conducted in an internationally accredited laboratory determined that 33 percent of agricultural products (51 samples) did not comply with the Turkish Food Codex Regulation on Maximum Residue Limits of Pesticides.

While multiple pesticide residues were found in 61 percent of the products (94 samples), 31.6 percent (49 samples) contained pesticide residues that disrupt the hormonal system, affect neurological development, are carcinogenic, or pose a threat to reproductive health.

ESPECIALLY AFFECTS CHILDREN'S HEALTH

Pesticide residues containing PFAS (per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances), which pose a significant risk especially to children's health, were found in 43 percent of the analyzed products (67 samples).

Greenpeace Turkey summarizes the effects of pesticides on children as follows:

"Because children's immune, nervous, and hormonal systems are in the developmental stage, the effects of pesticides can be more damaging and permanent compared to adults. Scientific studies show that exposure to pesticides during critical neurodevelopmental periods increases susceptibility to many diseases, including neurodevelopmental disorders."

According to the analysis results, foods such as brined leaves, green pointed peppers, spinach, and curly lettuce have the highest rates of pesticide residues. The rates of banned or unlicensed pesticide use in these products are noteworthy.

Greenpeace Turkey demands that pesticide analysis results be regularly disclosed by the Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry and that organic and ecological farming methods be encouraged.

"LET'S NOT EAT IT, LET'S NOT FEED IT TO CHILDREN"

Writing an article on the subject, journalist Nedim Atilla included the following statements in his piece published in Ege'de Son Söz:

"I read the latest report from Greenpeace Turkey... There is only one word to say: Horrifying! It is also a complete scandal! That is why I opened the headline with 'Let's not eat it, let's not feed it to children.' Farmers may be under economic pressure, but you, the producers, distributors, and those who fail to inspect these poisons, are the real culprits. You are contaminating food with these chemicals that threaten children's development, disrupt hormones, and increase cancer risk. Everyone who sustains this cycle is stealing from our children's future."

In his article, Nedim Atilla also expressed his deep concern regarding the long-term effects of pesticides on children and invited authorities and industry representatives to take responsibility.

URGENT MEASURES MUST BE TAKEN

Greenpeace Turkey emphasizes that expanding organic production is essential to ensure that pesticide use is brought under control and the right to clean food is guaranteed.

This picture, which endangers children's health, once again reveals the urgency of responsible agricultural practices.