How has the use of hazardous organic compounds in daily life and the discovery of the negative long term side effects and impacts on human health and the environment, led to new rules and regulations in our society?
Throughout the past century, numerous chemicals and compounds we're discovered and created and we're used by the public for a diversification of purposes. With the creation of new compounds and their distinct properties emerging led to the huge advancement in terms of consumer product goods. Many of the compounds that were discovered were put into consumer products without any extensive research into the possible harmful effects of the product. They were then purchased by the public and then often disposed of improperly due to a lack of proper labelling and disposal instructions. Over time, the negative impacts of such products began to show. For example, Micheal Faraday was one of the first people to isolate and identify benzene from a mixture of oils. One of the first uses of benzene was as an aftershave. It was also used to decaffeinate coffee and was used as an anti-knock additive in gasoline. Since its creation, testing has identified benzene as a carcinogen and many of its commercial uses have been discontinued. The discovery of these negative adverse effects from certain chemicals has fortunately led to various laws and regulations being imposed regarding chemicals and their uses. Now, through the use of technology, scientists are now capable of determining the possible side effects of chemicals on human health and the environment with more accuracy and have allowed for the implementation of regulations to prevent specific chemicals from being used in consumer goods. Currently, most products that contain chemicals that have negative effects are clearly labelled and marked and have directions on proper usage and disposal. When reflecting back on the past, it's evident that there was little to no knowledge of the negative impacts of the chemicals being put into consumer products and very little labelling and direction on how to use and dispose of products. Now, new rules and regulations are implemented everywhere in regards to chemicals and have led to a safer society and environment.
Research Issue: Many Ontario communities have banned the use of pesticides. As a consequence of these bylaws, many homeowners are seeking alternative ways of controlling weeds in their laws. Research and report on this issue.
The purpose of pesticides is to control various pests and disease carriers as specific pests can contribute to asthma and allergies and can carry diseases such as West Nile virus and Lyme disease. Pests can also do harm to vegetation, housing and much more. Since Ontario has lots of mosquitos, ticks and other pests, it's important that homeowners protect themselves against such. However, many communities in Ontario have banned the use of pesticides due to the negative adverse effects it has on human health. Pesticides have been shown to cause rashes, blisters, blindness, cancer, birth defects, neurological and developmental toxicity and many other serious negative health effects. Since the use of pesticides has been banned in certain communities, homeowners have found new ways to limit the number of pests around the home without using such a toxic product. Such ways include:
Implementation of barriers & repellents. Homeowners are now using barriers and spraying repellents that are organic such as spearmint to help deter insects.
Biological pest control. Some homeowners are using specific soils that naturally grow bacteria that specific pests don't like.
Implementation of new insects. Homeowners are adding in new insects around their home such as lady beetles and praying mantis which prey on other garden pests.
As shown above, Ontario homeowners have discovered new ways of controlling pests without the use of dangerous chemicals that can lead to dangerous health and environmental effects that are irreversible.
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