When using pesticides, their effects on human health should be taken into account, Zsuzsanna Keresztes, FAO International Consultant on IPM and Climate Resilient Agricultural Practices, said during a training on "Sustainable agriculture and plant production in Azerbaijan within the framework of Integrated Plant Protection," Report informs.
The mentioned training is held as part of the project "Management of pesticide circulation in Central Asian countries and Türkiye and disposal of pesticides classified as persistent organic pollutants."
According to Keresztes, pesticides are currently used in pest control: "However, a sustainable approach should be taken in pest control. Human health must be considered when using pesticides. Many studies have been conducted in various countries on how pesticide residues in the human body can affect various cancers and related diseases."
She noted that the main goal is to expand the application of the Integrated Pest Management (IPM) system: "IPM is an effective and environmentally sensitive approach based on a combination of common-sense practices in pest control. IPM programs use modern, comprehensive information about pest life cycles and their interaction with the environment. This information is used along with available pest control methods to manage pest damage in the most economical way and with minimal risk to people, property, and the environment."
The consultant also pointed out that the IPM approach can be applied in both agricultural and non-agricultural environments such as homes, gardens, and workplaces: "IPM uses all appropriate pest control methods, including but not limited to targeted use of pesticides. Organic food producers apply many of the same concepts as IPM, but their pesticide use is based on natural sources rather than synthetic chemicals."