Pesticides are chemicals used in agriculture to control pests and boost crop production. Nonetheless, there have been concerns expressed regarding the potential health impacts of these chemicals, including the possibility of a link between pesticides and cancer. Pesticide research has shown inconsistent findings, with some studies showing that pesticide exposure may raise the incidence of some forms of cancer, while others have found no such association.
Source: https://ensia.com/features/developing-world-pesticides/
According to a study conducted by Pesticide Action Network UK, it has been proven that using pesticides for an extended amount of time can be acutely toxic to human health. The use of pesticides has three different levels of symptoms due to exposure, namely mild poisoning, moderate poisoning and severe poisoning.
Source: https://www.castrolawgroup.com/blog/the-use-of-pesticides-and-their-long-term-effects/
The importation rate of pesticides in Mauritius:
According to the latest report from the United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization(FAO) on the global trends in the use of pesticides, Mauritius was the biggest user of pesticides (per cropland) in its agriculture in 2018.
Over the past 3 years ( 2018-2021), there has been an increase of 22.3% in the use of pesticides per cropland.
In Mauritius, around 3200 tonnes of pesticides were imported during the period of 2018 and 2021.
From 2019 to 2020, import of fertilisers decreased by 19.1% from 33,354 tonnes to 26,991 tonnes. Import of pesticides increased by 4.3% from 2,590 tonnes to 2,700 tonnes
Legislation on Pesticides:
According to the Environment Protection Act 2002, every activity or project that might negatively affect the environment must first undergo an environmental impact assessment (EIA) in order to be approved. By doing so, possible environmental contamination sources may be found and their negative effects on human health can be lessened.
Overall, even though Mauritius’ Environment Protection Act 2002 does not specifically address cancer, it really can help in lowering people’s exposure to pollutants and toxins that are known to promote the onset of the disease.
Source: https://www.mra.mu/download/TheEnvironmentProtectionAct2002.pdf
What are the regulations that have been put in place?
The government has taken many steps to control pesticide usage in agriculture. They have taken the initiative to introduce the Pesticide Use Act in order to control and monitor pesticide usage in agriculture.
One major change that the government wants to see is a shift towards more sustainable agriculture and a reduction in pesticide use in agriculture. The draft legislation on organic agriculture has been produced, but it still has to be finalised and implemented.
Cancer:
The three most common types of cancer in Mauritius among women and men are breast cancer, colorectal and ovarian cancers and prostate, colorectal and lung cancers respectively. These charts below show the amount of people who suffered from the different types of cancer in 2020.
From 2010 to 2020, we can see that the number of cases registered by the National Cancer Registry has increased drastically. We can see that people nowadays are more at risk of cancer than years ago.
THE LINK BETWEEN PESTICIDES AND CANCER
Several studies have found a link between pesticides and cancer, particularly in farmers, agricultural workers, and others who are regularly exposed to these chemicals. Exposure to pesticides can occur through a variety of methods, including inhalation, ingestion, and skin contact. People who deal with pesticides or reside in locations where they are utilised are more likely to be exposed. Children may be more vulnerable owing to their developing bodies and the possibility of exposure through food, water, and contaminated surfaces.
Source: https://lexpress.mu/article/274361/pesticides-que-donnons-nous-manger-nos-enfants
L’Express published an article entitled “Pesticides: que donnons-nous à manger à nos enfants?” back in 2016. Studies conducted on Mauritian cancer patients in one of the best hospitals in Singapore showed a high percentage of pesticides’ residue in their organisms, leading to a probability that exposure to pesticides might indeed lead towards cancer. And according to the article, there were several people who were being treated for cancer due to pesticides.
136 hospitalisations for pesticide poisoning were recorded in 2017. Employers keep an eye on the health of employees who handle or are exposed to pesticides. Yet, it appears that only individuals who work for governmental organisations are given a regular check-up to track their amount of exposure. As a result, little is known about the total level of pesticide exposure for both the general public and occupations in the private sector. (Ministry of Health and Quality of Life, 2014)
The tobacco effect
Tobacco usage is one of the leading causes of cancer. According to World Bank data, more than 20% of Mauritius residents use tobacco products. Because of the high prevalence of cigarette smoking, many Mauritians are at a higher risk of cancer. The quantity of cigarettes (tobacco) imported by Mauritius in 2019 is depicted in the graph below.
Sources:
Mauritius Cigarettes; containing tobacco imports by country | 2019 | Data (worldbank.org)
Prevalence of current tobacco use (% of adults) – Mauritius | Data (worldbank.org)
CANCER AND ALCOHOL CONSUMPTION
According to a research by the National Cancer Institute, the consumption of alcohol causes the risks of having several types of cancer. The research has proved that all kinds of alcoholic drinks cause the risks of cancer including wine. All alcoholic drinks contain ethanol which causes cancer.
According to the WHO, due to the consumption of alcohol, a percentage of nearly 4% of cancer was diagnosed in the world in 2020.
The different types of cancer caused by alcohol are head and neck cancer, liver cancer, breast cancer, mouth and throat cancer and colorectal cancer.
What are the solutions to be taken?
Integrated Pest Management (IPM) in relation to Cancer
IPM is a method of pest control which has been implemented in Mauritius that emphasises the use of a range of techniques, such as biological, cultural, and chemical treatments, to control pest populations in an environmentally conscious manner.The quantity and exposure to pesticides can be decreased by the use of IPM, which lowers the risk of cancer.
Sources:
Sustainable Agriculture in Mauritius | Nawsheen’s World
Integrated Pest Management (IPM) Principles | US EPA
Authorities have been teaching and educating planters on the safe use of pesticides. FAREI is an organisation that offers planters with continuing training and sensitization. The Training Act was created, and it includes the following information: Anybody who cultivates in agriculture or desires to use pesticides must complete training programmes. Everybody who completes the programme will be given a certificate.
As of April 2022, 6450 planters had been sensitised, and 65 training courses for 1715 planters had been organised.
As shown in the above graphs and notes, we can see that cancer is not only caused by pesticides but also by many other things like alcohol consumption, tobacco and lack of exercise and stress. Studies have shown a correlation between the exposure of pesticides and the development of cancer as chemicals trigger cancer in various ways.
To summarise, while the link between pesticides and cancer is still being studied, some evidence shows that exposure to some pesticides may increase the risk of cancer. People can decrease their pesticide exposure by washing vegetables and following pesticide label instructions when using pesticides. As research advances, it is critical to balance the possible advantages and hazards of pesticide use while prioritising public health and safety. The use of pesticides in agriculture is a major contributor to the high cancer rates, and action needs to be taken to reduce their use and protect the health of the population. By implementing sustainable and safer alternatives to pesticides, Mauritius can promote a healthier and more sustainable future for the country.
BY:
ASKOOLUM CHAISHNA
BOODHUN GATHIKA GARIMA
MOHABEER DEEPSHRIYA
MOONEESAWMY HANSHINEE
UoM-Communication Studies 