Pesticide use in India: Long-term health risks & what you can do

May 12, 2025 Siddhartha Jana

Pesticide concerns

Despite initiatives like alkaline washes and organic labels to lessen their effects, the growing usage of pesticides in India's farming sector raises questions about their long-term health implications. Source: Canva

Baking soda myth

According to a widely circulated rumour, bleaching water with baking soda can help get rid of the neurotoxin glyphosate. Though it might eliminate surface remnants, researchers warn that it doesn't deal with systemic residues in plants. Source: Canva

Health hazards of glyphosate

According to experts, glyphosate, a common herbicide, has been connected to digestive problems as well as an increased risk of cancer, Parkinson's disease, and multiple sclerosis. Source: Canva

Scientific doubts

There isn't any solid scientific proof that baking soda can detoxify glyphosate within plants, despite some research suggesting it can remove the chemical from crop surfaces. Source: Canva

Effective substitutes

Peeling fruits and eating foods high in sulforaphane and antioxidants, which improve liver function and aid in the detoxification of toxic chemicals, can help lower exposure. Source: Canva

Choosing organic

Choosing foods or items labelled "glyphosate residue-free" is a safe and healthy strategy to limit exposure to dangerous pesticides because it is organic. Source: Canva

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