Minister Kurt Tibbetts – Minister of Planning, Lands, Agriculture, Housing and Infrastructure

Message for Pesticide Awareness Day 2015

The Cayman Islands’ most delicate resource, our children, are the subject of a unique observance this weekend, the objective of which should remain with us year-round; that is, protecting children from pesticides and other harmful chemicals.

We join the “Coordinating Group of Pesticide Control Boards of the Caribbean” in observing “Pesticides Awareness Day” this Sunday, 27th September 2015. The theme is clear and to the point: “Children are Precious; Protect them from Pesticides”.

This topic can be presented as either hazardous and scary; or as latent and lingering. On one hand, we know that there are unfortunate instances of chemicals being used to harm domestic animals, especially dogs. So too, can children be easily harmed.

We at the Ministry of Planning, Lands, Agriculture, Housing and Infrastructure, and at the departments of Agriculture and Environmental Health, and others; are working to prevent and prosecute such vile acts.

These tragedies indicate to us the severe and potent dangers posed by products which can be found in many homes and businesses; and highlights the need to consider what we use, and to securely contain such items for the protection of our children, our pets and our families.

Several times during the course of each day our children can be exposed to pesticides and herbicides: on farms, at home in their gardens, in stores, by the foods they eat and drink, or from the wider environment.

Weed-killers and pesticides are dangerous chemicals that are clearly labeled as dangerous, and Government has restrictions on the use of some of these. Those people who manufacture, transport and apply them have to use all manner of protective clothing and apparatus to prevent possibly-fatal exposures.

Having said that, pesticides and other toxins can be found in most every home – from supposedly healthy items in our refrigerators, to the bug sprays and other aerosols we use. It is the prolonged exposure to these that perhaps pose more serious risks, as we do not think of such dangers when we purchase and consume fruits and vegetables without cleaning and washing them.

As a result of their body-mass ratios, children absorb more toxic substances than adults. They consume comparatively more foods, and inhale more dust, toxic vapours and spray droplets than adults. To complicate this, children have limited capacity to eliminate toxins, since their bodies and organs are not fully developed.

Even how they play – often on the floor, in grass and dirt, and often putting things into their mouths – increases their risk factors. Of course, most of them cannot read or understand toxic warning labels on containers.

It is therefore our imperative, as adults, to reduce our children’s exposure to both household and agro-pesticides. .

For instance, we must wash all fresh fruits and vegetables before cooking or eating them; and we must not allow children to go into gardens, fields or other areas that have been sprayed or treated with pesticides.

Neither should children be involved in, or exposed to, activities relating to the sale, transport, handling or disposal of pesticides, or even exposure to such chemicals. We must keep all pesticides in secure storage, out of their reach; and we cannot reuse pesticide containers, or place them with regular garbage.

Yes, there is a great move underway to increase our home gardens, as well as hydroponics and greenhouses, and government supports these great ways to enhance our food and nutrition intake. Even so, the misuse of pesticides and herbicides can be extremely detrimental, and they should only be used by responsible adults.

The primary routes by which children and adults can be exposed to pesticides are through inhalation, ingestion and absorption through the skin and eyes.

Children of people who work with these chemicals are at even greater risk of exposure. Adults who use such chemicals should not bring their shoes, gloves, clothes or other exposed items into the home, as the trickle-down negative effects to children of exposure can be immediate, or can build up over time.

Some of the very serious immediate effects of pesticide exposure (which can occur within minutes) include skin rash, irritation or burns; headaches, dizziness, allergic reactions and irritated eyes, nose-bleeds, nausea and vomiting. More severe results can be breathing difficulties, blindness and even death.
Do not hesitate to seek medical help if such exposure occurs, or is suspected.
Long-term effects can pose serious health risks later in life. These include respiratory (emphysema and asthma) and reproductive disorders, blood conditions, paralysis, tremors and brain damage; cirrhosis of the liver, kidney failure and cancer.

By taking a few sensible precautions, we can reduce children’s exposure to pesticides in our community.

While this is a one-day observance, it is an ongoing concern of ours. Departments of Agriculture officials will be conducting visits and talks at schools throughout the Cayman Islands, with a view to helping children understand these dangers.

We each must continue to do our parts, and I urge parents and other adults to teach children about dangers associated with pesticides. In turn, as we protect our children from pesticides today, we will be helping ensure that they live and thrive in stronger, healthier communities tomorrow.

END

IMAGE: www.epa.gov