Silent Invaders : Pesticides, Livelihoods and Women's Health

The health and environmental impacts of the pesticides used in hi-tech agriculture are increasingly under scrutiny.

This work brings together the experience and findings of scientists, farmer's organizations, researchers and activists involved in monitoring the development and marketing of pesticides, dialoguing with manufacturers, and campaigning for tighter controls and more bio-friendly approaches.

Its particular focus is on women's health. Women tend to be more exposed to pesticides than men,and the toxic effects impact on women in specific physiological ways.

The contributors stress the urgency of gender issues in pesticide and sustainable agriculture-related research and action.

They examine the progress made by governments and corporations in improving safety and safe use; and how local communities have opposed indescriminate and unsafe pesticide use, and pursued alternatives.