Herbicides and Agricultural Practices Herbicides are a type of pesticide that is often used to control or kill plants, weeds, or grasses. The most common pesticide used by farmers is an herbicide. Glyphosate is an herbicide is used by everyday people around the nation to control unwanted lawn vegetation and has garnered much attention in recent years. According to the EPA, “there are no risks of concern to human health when glyphosate is used in accordance with its current label. EPA also found that glyphosate is unlikely to be a human carcinogen” (Environmental Protection Agency, 2022). There are chemicals used to control plant growth that are far more dangerous than glyphosate. For example, “paraquat is a toxic chemical that is widely used as an herbicide (plant killer), primarily for weed and grass control” (Centers for Disease, 2018). Unlike glyphosate, ingestion of a small amount of paraquat has been linked to heart and kidney failure within several weeks (Centers for Disease, 2018). “The extent of poisoning caused by paraquat depends on the amount, route, and duration of exposure and the person’s health condition at the time of the exposure” (Centers for Disease, 2018). As a public health practitioner, you have been selected to lead a conversation that answers the following questions posed by a community in which 65% of land usage is associated with farming and other agricultural practices. In a 3 to 5-minute powerpoint presentation, please respond to the following questions found below. It may be helpful to write out quick notes associated with each question to guide your power point responses. Weigh some of the risk-benefit issues in the application of herbicides. Please discuss, in detail, at least one specific herbicide other than ones already discussed. With respect to farming and other agricultural practices, do you think it is beneficial it for the community to continue with herbicide usage on 65% of its land area? Why or why not? Based on your answers above, how would find a zone of agreement (i.e., negotiate) with community members who have differing points of view concerning the usage of view concerning the usage of herbicides? References: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2018, April 4). Facts about paraquat. https://emergency.cdc.gov/agent/paraquat/basics/facts.asp Environmental Protection Agency. (2022, March 10). Glyphosate. https://www.epa.gov/ingredients-used-pesticide-products/glyphosate Evaluation Criteria: Weighed the risk-benefit issues in the application of herbicides. Discussed benefits associated with continued herbicide usage on 65% of land area dedicated to farming and other agricultural uses. Described how zone of agreement (i.e., negotiate) with community members who have differing points of view concerning the usage of view concerning the usage of herbicides would be reached. Referenced supporting literature and information provided by credible resources. Utilized appropriate writing mechanics (spelling, grammar, APA citation style) and information literacy.
