Protect Our Children

Children today are sicker than they were a generation ago. Pesticides in food and agriculture are responsible for the rise in a wide range of childhood diseases.

A young child reaching up to hold an adult’s hand

Children’s Rights to a Pesticides-Free World

PAN Asia Pacific, in collaboration with its networks and partners, will commemorate June 5th World Environment Day as part of the annual campaign to Protect Our Children from Toxic Pesticides.

Children are more vulnerable to pesticides

Compared to adults, children breathe more air, eat more food and drink more water per unit of body weight, which leads to greater exposure in a pesticide-contaminated environment. Early life exposure can damage their still-developing brain and nervous system, disrupting mental and physiological growth.

An adult’s hand cradling a child’s hand

Impacts of Pesticides on Children

A toddler reaching towards bottles of household chemicals

Acute Poisoning

A newborn’s hand resting in an adult’s palm

Birth Defects

A young girl in a headscarf undergoing cancer treatment

Cancer

A child covering their face while sneezing

Asthma, Allergies and Immune System Problems

A child biting into an oversized burger

Obesity, Diabetes and Metabolic Disorders

Teachers working one to one with young children in a classroom

Neuro Developmental and Behavioral Disorders

1-km pesticide-free buffer zone

Schools are meant to be safe sanctuaries for children. But children in schools are being exposed to pesticides via aerial spraying and spray drift. PANAP is pushing for governments to set up pesticide-free buffer zones around schools.

An aerial view of a river winding between cultivated fields

What are the 20 Terrible Pesticides That Are Toxic To Children?

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