Organic Pest Control and Its Effects on Child Health in Agricultural Zones

This study aimed to evaluate the impact of organic pest control on child health in agricultural areas and compares environmental and physiological parameters between organic and conventional farming practices. A cross-sectional household survey employing structured questionnaires, environmental sampling, and child health assessments was conducted among 90 organic and 90 conventional agricultural households (N = 180). The pesticide residues in samples of soil, water, and air were analyzed; blood and urine samples obtained from children were examined to determine cholinesterase activity. The pesticide residues were significantly lower in organic (p < 0.05) and cholinesterase activity was higher, urinary metabolites were lower and the nutritional parameters of children were better in comparison to the conventional zones. Pest control type, parental education and family income were found to be important factors influencing the health of their children performing a regression analysis. It highlights the necessity for increased adoption of organic pest control by educating farmers, providing them policy incentives and constancy monitoring the environment. These results highlight the potential role of organic agriculture in protecting against food insecurity and enhancing sustainability and long-term food safety.