Pesticides often carry a negative reputation due to concerns about their harmful chemicals and potential risks to human health. However, the broader consequences of pesticide use are seldom explored in depth.

We run several health projects across Latin America and Sub-Saharan Africa aimed at improving the quality of life for farmers through access to quality healthcare. Therefore, understanding the impact of pesticides—many of which our farmers encounter and utilize—is vital to our mission. We have delved into current research on this topic and would like to share our insights.

The Varied Risks of Pesticides

Pesticides differ significantly in their harmful effects. The United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) outlines that the health impacts of pesticide exposure can vary: some affect the nervous system, while others may be carcinogenic or disrupt hormonal and endocrine functions.

Disturbingly, the chocolate industry has been criticized for failing to protect people and the environment from highly hazardous pesticides. Each year, approximately 44% of farmers and farmworkers globally suffer from acute pesticide poisoning, equating to 350 million people. Cocoa farmers and their families are no exception, facing significant exposure to these dangerous chemicals.

Recent studies have begun to investigate the potential link between pesticide exposure and metabolic syndrome—a cluster of conditions that increases the risk of serious diseases such as cardiovascular disease, diabetes, and strokes. A systematic review indicated that overall exposure to pesticides and their contaminants increases the risk of developing metabolic syndrome by 30%, categorizing pesticide exposure as a major risk factor.

The Rising Threat of Child Exposure

Alarming trends indicate that children’s exposure to pesticides in cocoa production is on the rise. The percentage of child laborers exposed to harmful pesticides increased from 10% in 2014 to 27% in 2019, highlighting growing concerns for their health and safety. This rise has been accompanied by an uptick in injuries, health issues, and the need for medical care. Unfortunately, medical care is often inaccessible or burdensome on household income, leading many farmers to forgo necessary treatment, sometimes risking severe consequences or even death.

A Call for Action

While we advocate for preventive measures such as alternative cropping methods and the use of personal protective equipment (PPE), we also urge companies to take action, ensuring families have access to healthcare without the fear of financial ruin or stress.

At Elucid, we welcome up-and-coming research in the agricultural sector which progresses understanding of possible health dangers: this way, we can all work towards safer, more sustainable agricultural practices. We encourage ongoing research into the impacts of pesticides and other chemicals used in farming, and we urge companies to investigate health trends within their supply chains that may have previously gone unnoticed. For a detailed look into the use of pesticides in the chocolate industry, you can refer to the Chocolate Scorecard (coordinated by Be Slavery Free with universities, consultants, and civil society groups engaging in transforming the chocolate industry)

If you’d like to take a look at the research which lies behind this blog post, take a look at our Evidence Summary Document!