What are the short/long term health effects of pesticides in children’s bodies?
Scientists have linked children’s exposure to pesticides to many different health effects – the health outcome can depend on the type of pesticide, the level of exposure, and – sometimes most critically – the timing of exposure in relation to a child’s development. Some of the strongest linkages have been found between pesticides and impacts on a child’s developing nervous system, including serious developmental delays. Studies have also found linkages with childhood cancers including leukemia, birth defects, low birth weight, and reproductive effects in adulthood from exposure during infancy or childhood, including low sperm count and infertility. If exposure levels are high, short term effects can include dizziness and nausea, rashes and immune system suppression.
