Pesticide: Any toxic substance used to kill animals or plants that damage crops or ornamental plants or that are hazardous to the health of domestic animals or humans. All pesticides act by interfering with the target species' normal metabolism. They are often classified by the type of organism they are intended to control (e.g., insecticide, herbicide, fungicide). Some inadvertently affect other organisms in the environment, either directly by their toxic effects or via elimination of the target organism. (www.merriam-webster.com)

Pesticides are used everywhere. From homes, to parks, to schools, and homes, pesticides are present both in their packaging and in the air we breath. These chemicals "are the only toxic substances released intentionally into our environment" (www.toxicsaction.org).

Every day harmful chemicals are released into the air, polluting our environment. In recent studies of lakes and rivers, one or more pesticides was found in over 90% of the bodies of water. These pesticides are also potential causes for amphibian deformities and the decline of pollinator species. They not only harm where we live, but they can also have effects on our health as well. Scientists from Harvard and the University of Montreal did a study that showed a direct relation to children who have been exposed to pesticide residue on fruits and vegetables and those children's risk of having ADHD. Their risk almost doubles.

Externalities Caused by Pesticide Use

NEGATIVE:
-Water pollution: the pesticides can get on all sorts of plants and other environmental things that can eventually float into water, causing it to be polluted by the pesticide
-Harm to humans & their health: studies have shown that pesticides increase the risk of children having ADHD. They can also irritate eyes and skin as well as be carcinogens.
-Harm to animals & their health: Pesticides are a specially designed chemical meant to kill animals that are harmful to crops. Studies have shown that pesticides can be directly linked to the extinction and deformities of amphibians.

POSITIVE:
-Keeps prices low: By terminating crop destroying animals, pesticides save crops that are used for clothing and food, which in turn keeps their prices low.
-Housing market=good: By using pesticides, houses are saved from the destructive effects of termites and other rodents. This keeps the value of the house high and increases the market.