Problem
Toxic household insecticides
Other Names:
Dangerous garden weedicidesMisuse of pesticides in the home
Incidence:
It was reported in the UK that children living in households using hanging insecticidal strips were at almost twice the risk of developing leukaemia. This rises to three times the risk if the strips were used in the last three months of pregnancy. Dichlorvos, the main insecticide used in hanging strips, is classified by the US Environmental Protection Agency as a human carcinogen. Organophosphate pesticides are also used in hanging insecticide strips and pets' flea collars. They enter the body mainly through the skin but also on the breath.
A US study showed that dogs are twice as likely to develop cancers if their owners treated their lawns with 2,4-D, the main weedkiller used in household gardens. 2,4-D has already been linked with cancer in farm workers by several studies.
Broader Problems:
Toxic substances in the homeOveruse of chemicals to control pests Narrower Problems:
Chlordane pollution Subject(s):
Amenities → HouseholdsIndustry → Chemical products
Recreation → Interests
Societal Problems → Hazards
Societal Problems → Maltreatment
Societal Problems → Poison
Related UN Sustainable Development Goals:
Problem Type:
E: Emanations of other problems Date of last update
04.10.2020 – 22:48 CEST