Pesticides: How Can You Reduce Your Exposure

Pesticides have been used for decades without having comprehensive data about it's effects on human health. That topic has been moved closer to the forefront of the environmental health debate. A 2006 report from the Long Island Breast Cancer Study Project demonstrated that self-reported lifetime use of residential pesticides was associated with an increase in risk for breast cancer. We are also finding an ever increasing correlation between breast cancer incidences and farm workers. Atrazine, chlordane and malathion are 3 such chemicals that have been associated with either an increased risk for breast cancer and/or have been shown to cause mammary cancer in laboratory rats. So how do we decrease our exposure and consequent risk associated with these pesticides? Between the year 2000 and 2007, numerous tests were conducted to check for pesticide residue in conventionally grown produce. This data was collected by the USDA and the U. S. Food and Drug Administration and the following list reflects that data. The dirty dozen are the produce items that should be purchased organic.

Buy Organic:

Peaches
Apples
Bell Peppers
Celery
Nectarines
Strawberries
Cherries
Kale
Lettuce
Grapes
Carrots
Pears