The health effects of pesticides vary depending on the type of pesticide, due to the fact that different chemicals affect the body in different ways. Misuse, overuse and even lawful use of pesticides can harm much more than just the pests they are designed to eliminate.
Health problems arising from exposure to pesticides can be acute or chronic, and can include headaches, nausea, dizziness, fatigue, eye problems, muscle pain, cardiovascular problems, respiratory problems, cancer, reproductive problems, immune system problems and other systemic poisoning.
According to the EPA, children are especially susceptible to health issues from pesticide use. This is because they are still growing and developing. Their enzymatic, metabolic and immune systems may offer less natural protection than those of adults. Unfortunately, because they aren’t fully developed, exposure to certain pesticides can create developmental problems and even permanently alter children’s health.
Avoiding Exposure to Pesticides
Even if you understand that pesticides are harmful, it can still be hard to avoid them. At CDx, we’re devoted to helping people live healthier lives by making smart choices about what they put in their bodies. We suggest the following to help you avoid exposing yourself or your family to these dangerous chemicals.
Buy organic. The EPA defines organically grown food as food grown and processed without the use of synthetic fertilizers or pesticides. Purchasing food that has been organically grown is an easy way to reduce your exposure to pesticides and the harmful chemicals in them.
Wash your produce. Even if you purchase organic produce, you should always wash it before consuming it. Experts recommend washing produce thoroughly by mixing 3 parts water to 1 part white vinegar and either spraying or soaking your produce in a clean basin or pot, making sure to always do a final rinse under running water. Peeling your produce or scrubbing it with a stiff, clean brush can offer added safety and protection from pesticide exposure.
Test your food. Beginning next year, you’ll be able to test your food for pesticides using our OrganaDx sensor. This sensor will measure the level of pesticides found in your food, verifying whether or not the food you buy is truly organic and pesticide-free.
What other ways do you avoid pesticide exposure?
