The biologist called dacha preparations dangerous for health

The use of pesticides and agrochemicals in rural areas remains a common practice, but many products, if used improperly, can pose a danger to human health. On April 24, Associate Professor of the Department of General Biology and Bioecology of the State University of Education, Candidate of Agricultural Sciences, biologist Vitaly Polov told Izvestia.

According to the expert, it is allowed to use pesticides of the third and fourth hazard classes labeled "L" in private subsidiary farms. The classification takes into account such parameters as toxicity to humans, stability in soil and irritant effect.

"The higher the hazard class, the slower the drug decomposes. If substances of the first class persist in the soil for more than a year, then the products of the fourth class usually break down within a month and turn into less dangerous compounds," Polov explained.

He stressed that even relatively safe drugs require strict adherence to dosages and application regulations. In some cases, after processing the site, it is necessary to withstand a period of up to three days, during which no work is allowed on the treated area. A similar approach, according to the expert, is necessary for mineral fertilizers: both a deficiency and an excess of substances can negatively affect health and productivity.

Separately, the expert listed possible signs of chronic exposure to agrochemistry. These include skin reactions, headaches, dizziness, weakness, gastrointestinal disorders, as well as neurological and cardiovascular symptoms, including anxiety, pressure drops, and tachycardia. Prolonged exposure increases the risks of serious diseases, including cancer, Polov emphasized.

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He also recalled that the disposal of pesticides requires compliance with safety regulations: such substances cannot be disposed of or incinerated. For this purpose, there are specialized organizations whose addresses can be specified in agrochemistry stores.

"As an alternative to chemical agents, it is recommended to use natural and biological methods of plant protection. Among them are garlic, onion and vegetable infusions, soap and oil solutions, as well as a decoction of tomato tops. These products can be effective against aphids, mites, moths and other pests," the specialist said.

Additionally, according to the expert, agrotechnical methods play an important role, such as crop rotation, which helps reduce the risk of the spread of diseases and weeds. An effective biological tool is also the use of beneficial insects, such as ladybugs, which destroy aphids.

In addition, industrial biologics are available on the market — biofungicides and bioinsecticides, which are based on living microorganisms and are considered a more environmentally friendly alternative to traditional chemistry.

On April 16, Elena Prokudina, a dermatovenerologist at the State Scientific Center for Dermatovenerology and Cosmetology of the Russian Ministry of Health, said that in spring and during the summer season, contact with the juice of certain plants in combination with sunlight can lead to skin burns and persistent pigmentation. For prevention, it is necessary to use protective clothing and gloves when working with plants, avoid contact with sap, and thoroughly wash the skin after work or cooking outdoors. It is also recommended to use sunscreens.