The Danger Hiding in Produce and Why Buying and Growing Organic Food is Better

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
(Free-Press-Release.com) July 16, 2010 -- A new report from the Environmental Working Group, a nonprofit public health advocate, helps consumers reduce their pesticide exposure by up to 80% by identifying the 12 produce items that contain from 47 to 67 pesticides per serving. Thousands and thousands of USDA pesticide reports were studied to determine the highest and lowest chemical residue for every fruit and vegetable. In this report, they discovered that celery could be coated with as many as 67 pesticides.

Chemical pesticides are substances applied to plants and crops in order to prevent, destroy, repel or mitigate pests. Pests can be considered insects, weeds, plant pathogens, birds, nematodes, microbes, and diseases. Chemical pesticides aren’t harmful if ingested in low volumes reports the U.S. government. Although, scientific studies have shown possible links between chemical pesticide exposure and cancer, infertility, weakened immune systems, nervous system problems, and attention deficit disorder. Children are at greater risks as their body develops, especially since some chemical pesticides block the absorption of crucial food nutrients.

To help consumers lower their chemical pesticide exposure, the Environmental Working Group identified the following 12 fruits and vegetables with the highest amount of pesticides per serving: celery, imported grapes, apples, domestic blueberries, lettuce, peaches, nectarines, potatoes, spinach/kale/collard greens, sweet bell peppers, strawberries, and dark leafy greens. With the concerns about chemical pesticides, consumers should consider limiting the amount of fruits and vegetables they eat from this list. Consider buying organic versions of these fruits and vegetables. Most grocery stores have organic sections that offer chemical pesticide-free produce. Used on organic vegetables and fruits, organic pesticides rely on plant extracts and oils for pest control, not synthetic chemicals.

Growing organic food is another way to lower chemical pesticide exposure. Organic farming means working with nature to grow healthy produce with tools that benefit the environment. Growing organic food is simple with the right products. The best organic pesticides contain Neem oil and Pyrethrin, which are plant oils and extracts used for pest control. Products that have been reviewed and approved for organic gardening display the Organic Materials Review Institute-listed (OMRI) and USDA National Organic Program seals. Better quality organic pesticides kill insects in all stages of development and effectively eliminate a wide range of insects. The most effective products are safe to use up until the day of harvest. Growing organic food is the best way to guarantee fruits and vegetables are free from chemical pesticides.

Organic gardening     organic pest control