Call to ban residential pesticide use and reduce sick building syndrome cases in Japan
Pesticide spraying within residential areas is a big problem in Japan and a major cause of environmental illnesses such as sick building syndrome and multiple chemical sensitivity. A Japanese scientist and sufferer of sick building syndrome now calls for action to put residents' health first.
No More Killing Softly, Please!!
Underestimated harmful effects of pesticide spraying in residential compounds in Japan
by Minako Yamada, PhD.
Almost 50 years ago, American marine biologist and conservationist Rachel Carson published Silent Spring, in which she warned the general public of the danger of toxic chemicals which impact not only wild life but also human life. Her allegations strongly influenced environmental policies, leading to the creation of the Environmental Protection Agency in the USA, for example. Yet, the situation in Japan is still far behind because of the heavy use of chemicals for farming and pesticide spraying in residential areas compared to pesticide usage in the USA or EU countries.