By:- Sheikh Alkinky Sanyang
“Chemicals are important determinants for sustainable development, sound environmental health and quality of life and their use in human activities (e.g. agriculture, health, energy production, manufacture, services and residential) contributes to improving the quality of life, but concerns are also raised about its harmful effects on workers, consumers, the environment and society at large through exposure.”
Lamin Jaiteh was speaking during the nationwide training and Sensitization of Pesticide Applicators, Farmers, and Inspectors on Environmentally Sound Handling and Application of Pesticides. This activity is powered by the Special Program Trust Fund Project being implemented by the Hazardous Chemicals and Pesticides (HCP). With the maiden edition staged in Jarra Soma, LRR, the Registrar of HCP in The Gambia called for an integrated approach towards chemical and pesticides Management.
Jaiteh, who is the Registrar of Hazardous Chemicals and Pesticides at the National Environment Agency, further disclosed that accidental releases of chemical and pesticides from distribution, consumption and disposal may permanently damage soil, water and air. The government of the Gambia through the National Environment Agency is implementing a Project tittle “Institutional Capacity Building for the Implementation of the MEAs in the Gambia.” This project started in 2018, and it is funded by UNEP under the Special Project Trust Fund.
According to the Registrar, the purpose of this nationwide conclave is to provide essential training, knowledge and best practices for the safe handling, storage, and application of pesticides, ensuring both personal safety and environmental protection. It is critical to equip farmers, gardeners, dealers, individuals and all stakeholders who utilize chemicals with the necessary skills to minimize risks and improve crop production
Many chemicals, according to the expert, have inherent properties that can negatively impact the human body and its functions.However, it is important to keep in mind that new experimental compounds that are derived from well-studied chemicals may pose unknown or unexpected health hazards and should be handled as such. If you are handling a new and untested substance, treat them as potentially harmful, and minimize any exposure through absorption, inhalation, or ingestion.
