New study uncovers concerning side effect of common farming practice: ‘Will be a great challenge’
New study uncovers concerning side effect of common farming practice: 'Will be a great challenge' The Cool Down
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Common Farming Practice Linked to Potential Harmful Chemicals in Food
A recent study conducted in the Key Laboratory of Plant Nutrition and Agri-environment in Northwest China has found a connection between the use of plastic films in farming and the accumulation of phthalates, a potentially toxic chemical, in both soil and wheat.
What’s happening?
The study, published in the journal Science of the Total Environment, reveals that the breakdown of plastic films used by farmers leaves behind residue that increases the concentration of phthalates in various parts of the wheat plant, including the roots and grains.
High levels of these chemicals were found in both seedlings and mature wheat, according to ehn.org.
Furthermore, the plastic film residue significantly affected the health of bacterial communities in the soil, which could have consequences for soil quality.
Why are phthalates concerning?
Phthalates are known to affect the endocrine system and have been linked to serious health conditions, including cancer. The presence of phthalates in soil and crops raises concerns about the safety of our food supply.
What’s being done about phthalates?
While the study highlights a potential conflict between the use of plastic films to combat water scarcity and the resulting phthalate pollution, there are steps that can be taken to address this issue.
Supporting sustainable farming practices that limit the use of plastic and prioritize soil health is one way to make a difference. Additionally, advocating for stricter regulations on the use and disposal of agricultural plastics can also help mitigate the impact of phthalates.
By working together and making informed choices, we can protect the quality of our food supply and create a healthier future for ourselves and the planet.
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SDGs, Targets, and Indicators
1. No Poverty
– Target 1.4: By 2030, ensure that all men and women, in particular the poor and the vulnerable, have equal rights to economic resources, as well as access to basic services, ownership, and control over land and other forms of property, inheritance, natural resources, appropriate new technology, and financial services, including microfinance.
– Indicator 1.4.2: Proportion of total adult population with secure tenure rights to land, with legally recognized documentation and who perceive their rights to land as secure, by sex and by type of tenure.
2. Zero Hunger
– Target 2.4: By 2030, ensure sustainable food production systems and implement resilient agricultural practices that increase productivity and production, that help maintain ecosystems, that strengthen capacity for adaptation to climate change, extreme weather, drought, flooding, and other disasters, and that progressively improve land and soil quality.
– Indicator 2.4.1: Proportion of agricultural area under productive and sustainable agriculture.
3. Good Health and Well-being
– Target 3.9: By 2030, substantially reduce the number of deaths and illnesses from hazardous chemicals and air, water, and soil pollution and contamination.
– Indicator 3.9.1: Mortality rate attributed to household and ambient air pollution.
6. Clean Water and Sanitation
– Target 6.3: By 2030, improve water quality by reducing pollution, eliminating dumping and minimizing release of hazardous chemicals and materials, halving the proportion of untreated wastewater, and increasing recycling and safe reuse globally.
– Indicator 6.3.2: Proportion of bodies of water with good ambient water quality.
12. Responsible Consumption and Production
– Target 12.4: By 2020, achieve the environmentally sound management of chemicals and all wastes throughout their life cycle, in accordance with agreed international frameworks, and significantly reduce their release to air, water, and soil in order to minimize their adverse impacts on human health and the environment.
– Indicator 12.4.2: Hazardous waste generated per capita and proportion of hazardous waste treated, by type of treatment.
13. Climate Action
– Target 13.3: Improve education, awareness-raising, and human and institutional capacity on climate change mitigation, adaptation, impact reduction, and early warning.
– Indicator 13.3.1: Number of countries that have integrated mitigation, adaptation, impact reduction, and early warning into primary, secondary, and tertiary curricula.
15. Life on Land
– Target 15.1: By 2020, ensure the conservation, restoration, and sustainable use of terrestrial and inland freshwater ecosystems and their services, in particular forests, wetlands, mountains, and drylands, in line with obligations under international agreements.
– Indicator 15.1.1: Forest area as a proportion of total land area.
Table: SDGs, Targets, and Indicators
| SDGs | Targets | Indicators |
|---|---|---|
| No Poverty | 1.4: By 2030, ensure that all men and women, in particular the poor and the vulnerable, have equal rights to economic resources, as well as access to basic services, ownership, and control over land and other forms of property, inheritance, natural resources, appropriate new technology, and financial services, including microfinance. | 1.4.2: Proportion of total adult population with secure tenure rights to land, with legally recognized documentation and who perceive their rights to land as secure, by sex and by type of tenure. |
| Zero Hunger | 2.4: By 2030, ensure sustainable food production systems and implement resilient agricultural practices that increase productivity and production, that help maintain ecosystems, that strengthen capacity for adaptation to climate change, extreme weather, drought, flooding, and other disasters, and that progressively improve land and soil quality. | 2.4.1: Proportion of agricultural area under productive and sustainable agriculture. |
| Good Health and Well-being | 3.9: By 2030, substantially reduce the number of deaths and illnesses from hazardous chemicals and air, water, and soil pollution and contamination. | 3.9.1: Mortality rate attributed to household and ambient air pollution. |
| Clean Water and Sanitation | 6.3: By 2030, improve water quality by reducing pollution, eliminating dumping and minimizing release of hazardous chemicals and materials, halving the proportion of untreated wastewater, and increasing recycling and safe reuse globally. | 6.3.2: Proportion of bodies of water with good ambient water quality. |
| Responsible Consumption and Production | 12.4: By 2020, achieve the environmentally sound management of chemicals and all wastes throughout their life cycle, in accordance with agreed international frameworks, and significantly reduce their release to air, water, and soil in order to minimize their adverse impacts on human health and the environment. | 12.4.2: Hazardous waste generated per capita and proportion of hazardous waste treated, by type of treatment. |
| Climate Action | 13.3: Improve education, awareness-raising, and human and institutional capacity on climate change mitigation, adaptation, impact reduction, and early warning. | 13.3.1: Number of countries that have integrated mitigation, adaptation, impact reduction, and early warning into primary, secondary, and tertiary curricula. |
| Life on Land | 15.1: By 2020, ensure the conservation, restoration, and sustainable use of terrestrial and inland freshwater ecosystems and their services, in particular forests, wetlands, mountains, and drylands, in line with obligations under international agreements. | 15.1.1: Forest area as a proportion of total land area. |
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Fuente: thecooldown.com
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