Washing your fruits and vegetables may not clean off the pesticides.

The skin or peel of most fruits and vegetables contain much higher levels of nutrients, but also most of the pesticide residues.

About 20% of currently registered pesticides are called “systemics.” Systemic pesticides move into the plant through the root system, travel throughout the plant via its vascular system (plant blood, in effect), and move into surface tissues, where they either stop viral pathogens from growing or kill or repel insects. Some pesticides are 100% systemic, other are partially systemic.

Don’t stop eating your fruits and vegetables.

Colorful fruits and vegetables are an important part of a balanced diet and vital to your health. In most cases the nutritional benefits outweigh the risks. Eating produce that is in season and grown locally will increase your chances of finding fresh, organic options.

Buy organic whenever possible.

Choosing organic is your best bet to avoid toxic synthetic chemical exposure and genetically engineered foods.  By supporting organic you are supporting sustainable agriculture practices that promote soil health, clean water, biodiversity, and a safe environment for farm workers.

Pesticides are linked to a variety of health problems.

The fact is pesticides are designed to kill living things—insects, weeds, fungi or other “pests.”  Multiple studies have shown that these synthetic chemicals are linked to health problems such as hormone and reproductive disruption, respiratory problems, ADHD, autism, decreased IQ and neurological problems, diabetes, obesity, and some forms of cancer. Developing fetuses and growing children are especially vulnerable to these toxic chemicals.  Check out The Organic Center for more reports on pesticides.

For more information on how we put together our pesticide risk rankings see the methodology page or full Dietary Risk Index report.

More questions? Email us at info@organic-center.org.