PSY 460 Environmental Risk Perception

PSY 460 Environmental Risk Perception

Environmental Risk Perception of Pesticides
What is an environmental risk? “Any situation, event, or activity that leads to uncertain adverse outcomes affecting something humans value” is the definition of an environmental risk (Steg. L 2013). These risks can be anything from climate change to air pollution to overcrowding to pesticides. Each environmental risk has complex and uncertain consequences. In many cases, environmental risks are caused by humans and their behaviors. Sadly, those behaviors cause problems for humans, animals, and nature all across the world, not necessarily just in the location of the poor behaviors. Environmental risks have been around for a very long time and it is complicated to stop them from continuing without a global requirement of action among all people.

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Risk perception is a judgement that individuals make regarding the characteristics and severity of multiple risks. Individuals, groups, and society in general have the tendency, whether rational or irrational, to hold beliefs on just about every environmental issue out there. Some people will use extensive and elaborate research analysis to make their decisions educated, while others just base their opinion on what the media presents to them. A persons values and morals may also be a force behind the way they perceive risks. This provides for arguments on both sides of every issue there is in the world. Not one side or the other can be called incorrect or correct in their assumptions due to the nature of perception. When it comes to pesticides however, most people will agree that they are harmful and pose an environmental risk.

Pesticides are considered to be “any substance that is used to kill, repel, or control certain forms of plant or animal life that are considered to be pests” (Niehs 2013). Pesticides are another name for disinfectants, herbicides, insecticides, fungicides, and other compounds used to control something or to prevent the spread of bacteria. Pesticides are not only used on food products, they can be found in household cleaners, rodent control, bug sprays, and to stop the growth of mold or mildew. So many agricultural chemicals are used in food production that people are continually being exposed to these pesticides, which is causing damaging effects to the human race and the environment. Granted, there is not a 100% set research standard when it comes to the actual exposure and consequences, there have been reports made regarding this issue. People who have been exposed to pesticides typically experience headaches and other random neurological symptoms. According to the 12th Edition Report on Carcinogens 2011, “the report identifies agents, substances, mixtures, and exposure circumstances that are known or reasonably anticipated to cause cancer in humans” (National Toxicology Program, 2013). The chemicals listed in the report are known to be in pesticides that humans have exposure to on a frequent basis. High and low pesticide exposure is said to increase a females risk of breast cancer and also said to be associated with cognitive decline in humans. Science has also shown that exposure to chemicals in pesticides at low doses is causing a problem with human growth and development. According to the NIEHS, certain pesticides were banned over 30 years ago, but they are still found in the environment and in human bodies to this day.

I saw an article about “GM Foods and the Misperception of Risk Perception” online. Basically, it talked about the publics opposition to genetically modified foods due to the public’s misperception of the risks. Some scientific research shows there is no risk associated to GM crops and foods. While some people believe the risks are of limited importance, others believe the absence of benefits from those foods are reason enough to question the foods and their risk. Each person is going to have their own ideas on whether or not they should eat products which have been genetically modified in some way or another. Gm foods have pesticides used on them, however they claim to be “friendly” and safe for the environment and they claim to make the foods pesticide resistant. In general, it is said that there is a low risk to human health when it comes to GM foods. (Gaskell, G et. al 2004).

In another article I was reading about GM foods and it gave perspective on both sides of the argument. There are advantages of GM foods, such as pest resistance, herbicide tolerance, disease resistance, cold tolerance, drought tolerance, nutrition, and pharmaceuticals. The reason for the GM foods is to produce more crops to feed an ever growing population. Some of the criticisms about GM foods are unintended harm against other organisms, reduced effectiveness of pesticides, gene transfers, possible health risks on humans, and economic concerns. This article discusses how research has been done on GM foods and so far there has not been 100% accurate results that there are any health risks to humans due to those foods.

I do not have a direct stance when it comes to the use of pesticides and genetically modified foods. While I think pesticides are good to get rid of unwanted pests, bacteria, and other bad things, they perhaps should not be used on food crops where the chemicals can get directly into the foods people consume. I do not buy organic nor do I read labels when it comes to buying foods at the store. I have seen more often than not, the people who choose the organic and extremely “healthy” food items are sicker than most and their children suffer from more allergies to foods than normal. I think the new fad of clean foods is causing more harm to the population than eating foods that are being produced and sold in the traditional ways. I do think there is some bad and good in both sides of the argument, but I will stick to what I grew up with and what I know about the foods I choose to eat.