Natural Pesticides

This is from another list. Thought it was interesting.


The International Congress on Entomology being held here in Brisbane Australia features Professor John Trumble, an insect expert from the University of California who will talk about his findings that natural pest products are putting peoples health at risk. He said that a study of plant based treatments has shown some are more dangerous to humans and animals than pesticides produced by chemical firms. Consumers had a mistaken notion that natural had to be better and safer. Hazards included skin diseases, exposure to carcinogens, mutagens, neurotoxins and substances known to cause organ failure. Given the size of the market and an increasing interest in all things natural, it is not surprising that commercial products are being developed for a wide range of human and animal uses. Unfortunately, most natural products including those used for insect control are not always subject to rigorous testing. While some serious research was being done and some of the solutions worked as promised, he was alarmed by the lack of scientific work to back up many claims. Others were simply wrong. Plants contain many toxins. Some of these toxins can cause significant human or animal health effects and many deaths have been reported.

Island Jim
Southwest Florida
27.0 N, 82.4 W
Zone 10a
Minimum 30 F [-1 C]

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