I am writing to express my concern of the over usage of pesticides in Massachusetts and its negative effects on the residents that consume food that is grown with exposure to pesticides. As most do, I care deeply about my friends, family, and neighbors; it is upsetting to know all of us are consuming toxins when we are just trying to eat a healthy meal.
Pesticide use in farming is regulated by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) which allows the usage of herbicides, insecticides, and fungicides. Some widely used herbicides, such as atrazine and glyphosate are classified by health agencies as probable human carcinogens. In studies done in 2020 and 2024 scientists found numerous associations between pesticides and health complications such as cancer, neurological disorders, and endocrine disruptions. It is clear that these toxins should not be as abundant in agriculture as they are due to the serious health complications that they can cause in the long run. Therefore it is crucial that people are made aware of the chemicals that they are being exposed to.
Moving forward, remember that as a friend, family member, and neighbor, it is your social responsibility to educate those you know on the negative effects of pesticides.
Piper Johnson
Whately