The Dangers of Pesticides

Social IssuesEnvironment

  • Author Ann Guevara
  • Published June 21, 2010
  • Word count 370

Pesticides are Poison!

It's important to remember that the purpose of pesticides is to kill living organisms. That being the case—what effect could these same pesticides have on your baby?

A June 2000 report by the Consumers Union, "Update: Pesticides in Children's Foods," confirmed that pesticide residues in food children eat every day often exceed the "safe" levels set by the USDA. This is alarming because most tests done by the EPA to set acceptable risk levels for pesticide residues are calculated based on adult tolerance, not children's.

Infants and children are more vulnerable to the health risks of pesticide exposure because they are in a critical period of development when their internal organs are still developing and maturing.

Giving Children Organic Fruits and Vegetables is a Simple Means to Reduce their Pesticide Exposure

A 2003 study of Seattle school children showed switching to organic food immediately lowered pesticide levels in the body. The study tracked preschool children and analyzed their urine for evidence of exposure to five different kinds of pesticides. Researchers found that children eating conventional diets had an average of six- to almost nine-times higher for children with conventional diets than for children with organic diets.

Buy Organic for the Worst Offenders

If you can't buy all organic at least do it for those fruits and vegetables with the highest pesticide levels (the dirty dozen) and dramatically reduce your family's pesticide exposure.

The Environmental Working Group, a consumer advocacy and research group lists many of the dangers of pesticides.

The group has developed a list of the Dirty Dozen, 12 fruits and vegetables you should always buy organic because testing has shown when conventionally grown they are loaded with pesticides. The Clean 15 includes fruits and veggies that have the lowest pesticide levels.

The group has developed a list of the Dirty Dozen, 12 fruits and vegetables you should always buy organic because testing has shown when conventionally grown they are loaded with pesticides. The Clean 15 includes fruits and veggies that have the lowest pesticide levels.

Dirty Dozen: Peaches, Apples, Bell peppers, Celery, Nectarines, Strawberries, Cherries, Kale, Lettuce, Grapes (imported), Carrots, Pears.

Clean 15: Onions, Avocados, Sweet corn, Pineapples, Mangoes, Asparagus, Sweet peas, Kiwis, Cabbage, Eggplant, Papayas, Watermelons, Broccoli, Tomatoes, Sweet potatoes.

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Visit My-Organic-Baby.net for more information on keeping your baby healthy and happy. Read more about the dangers of pesticides

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