The impact of pesticides
Pesticides are toxic by design and are intended to harm living organisms. They have implications for children’s health, including potential risks for hormone dysfunction, cancer, and harm to the developing brain and nervous system. The American Academy of Pediatrics notes that pesticide exposure during pregnancy may lead to an increased risk of birth defects, low birth weight, and fetal death. Exposure during childhood has been linked to attention and learning problems, as well as cancer.
The EWG’s Clean 15, a list of crops that tested lowest in pesticides, is a better option for consumers who want to avoid consuming high levels of pesticides. The 2023 Clean 15, consisting of avocados, sweet corn, pineapple, onions, papaya, frozen sweet peas, asparagus, honeydew melon, kiwi, cabbage, mushrooms, mangoes, sweet potatoes, watermelon, and carrots, are said to contain little to no pesticide residues. Nearly 65% of the foods on the list had no detectable levels of pesticides. Avocados topped the list for the least contaminated produce again this year, followed by sweet corn.
Developing children need the combined nutrients, but are also harder hit by contaminants such as pesticides. Being exposed to a variety of foods without pesticides is especially important during pregnancy and throughout childhood. The AAP suggests parents and caregivers consult the Shopper’s Guide if they are concerned about their child’s exposure to pesticides.
The report said that nearly 90% of blueberry and green bean samples had concerning findings. In 2016, samples of green beans contained 51 different pesticides. The latest round of testing found 84 different pest killers, and 6% of samples tested positive for acephate, an insecticide banned from use in vegetables in 2011 by the EPA. “One sample of non-organic green beans had acephate at a level 500 times greater than the limit set by the EPA,” said Alexis Temkin, a toxicologist at the EWG.
In 2014, blueberries contained over 50 different pesticides. Testing in 2020 and 2021 found 54 different pesticides, about the same amount. Two insecticides, phosmet, and malathion, were found on nearly 10% of blueberry samples. The EWG report shows that these two chemicals have been associated with cancer in animal studies, though the evidence is inconclusive for humans.
Consumers should also note that the USDA's tests show traces of pesticides that were long since banned by the Environmental Protection Agency. Stricter federal regulation and oversight of these chemicals is needed. Every choice to reduce pesticides in the diet is a good choice for a child.
It's important to note that while the Shopper's Guide to Pesticides in Produce focuses on the presence of pesticides on non-organic produce, that doesn't mean that organic produce is entirely pesticide-free. Organic farmers also use pesticides, but they are limited to those that are derived from natural sources and are considered less harmful to human health and the environment.
However, buying organic produce is not always possible or feasible for everyone due to higher prices or lack of availability in certain areas. Therefore, the EWG recommends that consumers prioritize buying organic versions of the Dirty Dozen fruits and vegetables to reduce their exposure to harmful pesticides. For those who can't buy organic, washing produce thoroughly and peeling fruits and vegetables where possible can also help reduce pesticide residue.
Handwashing with warm water and soap for 20 seconds before and after preparing fresh produce.
Rinsing produce before peeling, so dirt and bacteria aren’t transferred from the knife onto the fruit or vegetable.
Using a clean vegetable brush to scrub firm produce like apples and melons.
Drying the produce with a clean cloth or paper towel to further reduce bacteria that may be present.
The EWG's annual report serves as a reminder that we should pay attention to what we eat and where it comes from. By choosing fruits and vegetables that are lower in pesticides and reducing our exposure to harmful chemicals, we can help protect our health and the environment.
Source
https://edition.cnn.com/2023/03/15/health/dirty-dozen-produce-pesticides-2023-wellness/index.html
