<a href="http://midwestpesticideaction.org/wp-content/uploads/2013/08/pesticide_lawn-e1380900121608.jpg"><img class="alignnone size-full wp-image-512" src="http://midwestpesticideaction.org/wp-content/uploads/2013/08/pesticide_lawn-e1380900121608.jpg" alt="pesticide_lawn" width="719" height="320" /></a>
<h2>The Problem with Pesticides</h2>
Pesticides are toxic chemicals designed to harm living things. <a href="http://www.epa.gov/opp00001/pestsales/07pestsales/table_of_contents2007.htm" target="_blank">According to the EPA</a>, about 5.2 billion pounds of pesticides are used worldwide each year, with 1.1 billion pounds used in the United States. Pesticides target insects, plants, fungi, and animals we want to eliminate. Unfortunately, they bring unintended consequences such as harming beneficial insects, other wildlife, and sometimes even ourselves.

The use and misuse of these chemicals have been linked to a number of serious health and environmental effects. Strong scientific evidence has connected pesticide exposure to a host of health hazards from asthma and ADHD in children, to cancer and reproductive problems. Moreover, the production and use of pesticides pollutes our water ecosystems and threatens our drinking water sources and wildlife.

It’s important to be fully aware of the harmful effects of pesticides so we can understand the need for alternative strategies for pest control, and help promote healthier communities, homes, and schools.

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<h3>Children’s Health</h3>
Children are especially vulnerable to pesticide exposure.
<a class="more" title="Read More" href="http://midwestpesticideaction.org/the-problem/childrens-health/">Read More</a>

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<h3>Reproductive Health</h3>
Pesticides threaten the delicate balance of our reproductive hormones and systems.
<a class="more" title="Read More" href="http://midwestpesticideaction.org/the-problem/reproductive-health/">Read More</a>

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<h3>Cancer</h3>
Strong scientific evidence links pesticide exposure to rising cancer rates.
<a class="more" title="Read More" href="http://midwestpesticideaction.org/the-problem/cancer/">Read More</a>

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<h3>Environment</h3>
Pesticides are pollutants that are threatening our water and wildlife.
<a class="more" title="Read More" href="http://midwestpesticideaction.org/the-problem/environment/">Read More</a>

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