Health Risks and Environmentally Friendly Alternatives to Chemical Use in Agriculture

The use of chemicals in agriculture is a common practice to increase crop yields, but it can cause serious problems for human health and the ecosystem. The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of chemical use, including the health risks faced by farmers and the community and the resulting pollution. This study analyzed various sources of information on the impacts of chemicals using literature study methods, such as acute and chronic health disorders and decreased biodiversity. The results showed that although chemical pesticides can increase agricultural yields, unmanaged use can result in poisoning, pollution of water, soil, and air, and damage to the ecosystem. This study recommends the implementation of integrated pest management (IPM) methods and the use of more environmentally friendly bio-pesticides. The findings of this study are expected to provide guidance for sustainable agricultural policies and raise awareness of the health and environmental hazards caused by pesticide use in Indonesia