The Types of Chemicals Commonly Used in Farming

It has become more common to see advertising, social media campaigns and books promoting organic eating. One of the reasons why this has become such a popular topic is because consumers have become aware of not only what is in their food, but also what chemicals have been applied to their food during the growing process. As a result, people are looking for alternatives to commercially grown crops sprayed with pesticides.

Unfortunately, it is almost impossible to avoid all chemicals that are used in farming. These chemicals are used so frequently, they are now found in the water and the air. However, reducing your exposure can also help to reduce health issues.

California is one of the few states that have started the process of collecting data about the use of pesticides and other chemicals in farming within the state. Some of the data has shown that over 1 billion pounds of chemicals have been used in farming just in the state of California between the early 1990s until 2000.
Even without a national database, most people are aware of some of the most widely used chemicals in farming.

Atrazine

Over 70 million pounds of this chemical is used in the United States every year. This is a weed killer, and is frequently used on corn crops in the Midwestern states. A recent study by the EPA revealed that Atrazine was found in all of the river sites that were examined in the Midwest.

Atrazine is an endocrine disruptor, and it has been linked to cancer, birth defects and infertility.

Glyphosate

This is a chemical that is better known by its brand name, Roundup. It is used on corn, soy, cotton and canola crops. It is also used by home gardeners and even by local jurisdictions in their parks and greenways.

Studies have found that Glyphosate is in the ground water of the Mississippi Basin, and this level has exceeded the level that is deemed permissible in drinking water and the air. This chemical has also been linked to birth defects, cancer and neurological disorders.

Metam Sodium

This is a pesticide that is typically applied to potato crops in concentrations that are as high as 300 pounds per acre. The chemical can cause several side effects including:

• Birth defects
• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Hormone disruption
• Thyroid damage

These are some of the chemicals that are commonly used in farming. They can cause a range of health issues, and this is the reason why organic fruits and vegetables are in demand.