4.

1 Pesticide
Environmental health is an environmental condition which can sustain the dynamic balance
of ecology between human and its environmental to reach the best quality life. Based on HAKLI
(Himpunan Ahli Kesehatan Lingkungan Indonesia), environmental health problems is a complex
problem that need integration from any sectors to be overcomed. In our country, environmental
health problems are such as air pollution, water pollution, soil pollution, and etc.
Indonesia is one of developing country and is an agrarian country which most of the people
works as a farmer. Increasing agricultural output requires some thing that can enhance a good
result and meet the national needs, also increase the national economic rate by export activity.
Those are good agricultural tools, fertilizers, chemicals needed included pesticides.
Pesticides can be defined as chemical and other substances that regulate or stimulate the
growth of plants. According to the concept of Integrated Pest Management (IPM), the use of
pesticide is not intended to kill pests, but to control pests.
In general, pesticides, especially synthetic pesticides, are biocides that are toxic to targeted
pests, human, plants, animals and other organisms. The danger of pesticides is not only derived
from the chemical content, but also pesticide residue that accumulates on agricultural products
and water. Therefore, the wise and appropriate use is an absolute thing that must be done.
Gas pesticides is the most dangerous pesticides for respiratory, while the liquid is very
harmful to the skin as it can get into the body tissues through the skin. According to the World
Health Organization (WHO), at least 20,000 people per year died due to pesticide poisoning. An
estimated 5,000-10,000 people per year have fatal impact such as cancer, disability, infertility
and liver disease.
Pesticides can be toxic to humans or animals through the mouth, skin, and respiratory.
Often without realizing it, these toxic chemicals into the body without causing sudden pain and
lead to chronic toxicity. A person suffering from chronic toxicity, can be known only after long
intervals of time, after months or even years. Chronic toxicity by pesticides is currently the most
feared diseases, because the toxic effects can be carcinogenic (cancerous tissue formation in the
body), mutagenic (genetic damage to future generations), danteratogenic (child birth disability).
The combination between genes and pollutants that enter the pregnant woman is believed as the
cause of autism or birth defect free. Research conducted in 2010 by Harvard University showed
urine containing organophosphate, an active pesticide ingredient, in children more likely to have
ADHD and hyperactivity compared to the urine of children who are not contaminated.