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What are pesticides? 

Pesticides are substances used to kill, repel, or control insects and other organisms that attack growing produce. They are usually made out of chemicals but can also develop from natural sources. Farmers typically use pesticides to control pests and diseases that would damage the fruits and vegetables from growing during food production. Some common pests are insects, weeds, rodents, mold, bacteria, and fungus. There are hundreds of pesticides, but they are categorized into a few main types. They are as follows:  

  

  • Herbicides: This type of pesticide is also commonly known as “weed killer,” and it destroys invasive plants that attack growing produce. 
  • Rodenticides: These target rats, mice, and other small rodents that may contaminate or destroy crops. 
  • Fungicides: These are used to protect both seeds and growing plants from bacteria and fungus that can result in rot. 
  • Insecticides: Pesticides that help to reduce insect eggs that may grow and infect healthy plants.  

  

Pesticides are classified as organic or synthetic. Organic pesticides originate from chemicals that naturally occur in other plants, though some natural pesticides are created in a lab. Synthetic pesticides are all made in a laboratory, usually from man-made chemicals. 

  

Are pesticides dangerous? 

Pesticides in the United States are regulated. The Environmental Protection Agency is responsible for setting a limit for the amount of pesticide residue that can legally remain on food. The Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic act requires that the Food and Drug Administration enforces these predetermined amounts. Imported fruits and vegetables are selectively chosen and tested for approximately 800 different pesticides to check adherence to these set rules. There have been pesticides deemed too unsafe for consumption; they have since been banned from use. 

  

Unfortunately, some tests have shown that high exposure to synthetic and organic pesticides may have harmful effects, including a higher risk of Parkinson's disease, cancer, and Alzheimer’s. In some cases, pesticides have also been shown to cause skin or eye irritation and disrupt the hormone or endocrine system in various ways. Children may also be at an increased risk of developing pesticide-related health issues. 

  

How are pesticides used? 

Nearly all vegetables and fruit found in a grocery store have been grown using some type of pesticide. Pesticides are on everything from the soil and seeds to the growing plants to try and harvest as many healthy products as possible. It is a common myth that organic produce doesn’t use any pesticides during its production. Produce labeled “organic” can still be grown with the help of pesticides, but they’re grown with pesticides that are non-synthetic or derived from organic materials. In modern times, farmers must rely on pesticides. Otherwise, it would be almost impossible to produce the volume of food that is required to be profitable and to meet consumer demand. 

 

How can I stay safe from pesticide exposure? 

There are many ways to help limit pesticide exposure from store-bought fruits and vegetables. Produce with thick peels like bananas, oranges, zucchinis, and cucumbers are slightly safer to consume because the peel is exposed to pesticide residue, leaving only the edible portion of the produce. All fruits and vegetables, even organic or prepackaged produce, should be washed before consumption. Place produce under running water and use your hands or a small brush to scrub the surface before eating. While there are specific products for cleaning fruits and veggies at home, running water can be just as effective; this limits additional soap and detergents from becoming absorbed into the produce and consumed. Buying from a farmer's market or choosing local produce are great alternatives to minimize or avoid pesticides altogether. Alternatively, starting an at-home garden is a fun and engaging way to provide pesticide-free produce for you and your family.

 

Sources

EPA- Food and Pesticides

NIH- Pesticides

FDA- Pesticides

EPA- Pesticide Science and Assessing Pesticide Risk

Healthline- Pesticides and Health

NPIC - Fruit Wash

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