The World Health Organization estimates that nearly 355,000 people die each year from unintentional poisonings.
The Problem
These deaths are the result of exposure to toxic chemicals as well as the inappropriate use of pesticides. In developing nations, these toxic chemicals are often secreted directly into the soil, air, and water from industrial processes.
“The Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) has estimated that by the year 2020, nearly one-third of the world’s chemical production will take place in non-OECD countries and that global output will be 85% higher than it was in 1995. The shift of chemical production to emerging countries may increase related health and environmental risks…” WHO
Developing nations are heavily dependent on agriculture. Toxic soil, water, and air directly impact the health of those dependent on agriculture for their livelihoods as their livestock and crops are put at risk due to exposure. Chronic pesticide exposure dramatically affects those living in rural areas where men, women, and children all work and live close to fields and orchards where the toxic chemicals are applied or stored.
How To Create Change
Large organizations such as WHO are starting global conversations to encourage governments of developing nations to implement Integrated Pest Management strategies and implement policies to create long-term change. In the short-term, non-profits and NGOs on the ground can take robust, sustainable resources to these farming communities.
The Aldelano Solar ColdBox provides cold storage for crops to increase shelf life and reduce food waste. Access to cold storage is one element within the harvesting process that can lead to change within the agriculture system in developing nations. The Aldelano Solar WaterMaker can provide farming communities with clean water drawn from moisture in the air. Clean water is a game changer for poor communities that often rely on groundwater, which has a high chance of contamination due to pesticides.
Long-term policy changes are what these communities need. However, action can be taken now that has the power to increase the lifespan of communities at risk.
“One of the main problems is that in many of these countries, there are no clear differentiation strategies on which particular chemicals should be used-and which specific types should be avoided.” PracticalAction.org
While government organizations slowly implement changes, non-profits have the opportunity to impact local communities with solar solutions that require little to no maintenance and that are built to last. Aldelano Solar Cold Chain Solutions can transform the agriculture process through proper food storage, which provides farmers with a higher return on their investment. Cold storage also reduces food waste and risk of food poisoning.
Aldelano Solar Cold Chain Solutions is helping non-profits make an impact now.
Citations:
Deaver, Ronnie. “Pesticide Use in Developing Countries.” Practical Action Blogs Pesticide Use in Developing Countries Comments, 21 Feb. 2017, practicalaction.org/blog/news/pesticide-use-in-developing-countries/.
“Environment and Health in Developing Countries.” WHO, World Health Organization, 2017, www.who.int/heli/risks/ehindevcoun/en/index1.html.
“Toxic Hazards.” WHO, World Health Organization, 2017, www.who.int/heli/risks/toxics/chemicals/en/.
