Identify the major non-farm uses of pesticides in India. Discuss why these uses pose higher exposure risks than agricultural applications.
Kartavya Desk Staff
Topic: Conservation, environmental pollution and degradation,
Topic: Conservation, environmental pollution and degradation,
Q5. Identify the major non-farm uses of pesticides in India. Discuss why these uses pose higher exposure risks than agricultural applications. (10 M)
Difficulty Level: Medium
Reference: DTE
Why the question Recent incidents of pesticide-related harm in domestic and public spaces have drawn attention to non-agricultural pesticide exposure as an emerging chemical safety and public health Key Demand of the question The question requires identification of major non-farm uses of pesticides in India and an explanation of why these uses result in higher exposure risks compared to agricultural applications, with emphasis on exposure conditions rather than governance theory. Structure of the Answer Introduction Briefly highlight the expansion of pesticide use beyond agriculture and the resulting shift from occupational to general population exposure. Body Major non-farm uses of pesticides: Indicate key non-agricultural settings such as households, grain storage spaces, public institutions and transport systems where pesticides are commonly applied. Reasons for higher exposure risks: Explain how enclosed spaces, prolonged and involuntary exposure, untrained application and proximity to food and water make non-farm uses riskier than open-field agricultural use. Conclusion Conclude by underlining the need to address non-farm pesticide exposure as a preventive chemical safety issue to reduce avoidable health risks.
Why the question Recent incidents of pesticide-related harm in domestic and public spaces have drawn attention to non-agricultural pesticide exposure as an emerging chemical safety and public health
Key Demand of the question The question requires identification of major non-farm uses of pesticides in India and an explanation of why these uses result in higher exposure risks compared to agricultural applications, with emphasis on exposure conditions rather than governance theory.
Structure of the Answer
Introduction Briefly highlight the expansion of pesticide use beyond agriculture and the resulting shift from occupational to general population exposure.
• Major non-farm uses of pesticides: Indicate key non-agricultural settings such as households, grain storage spaces, public institutions and transport systems where pesticides are commonly applied.
• Reasons for higher exposure risks: Explain how enclosed spaces, prolonged and involuntary exposure, untrained application and proximity to food and water make non-farm uses riskier than open-field agricultural use.
Conclusion Conclude by underlining the need to address non-farm pesticide exposure as a preventive chemical safety issue to reduce avoidable health risks.