The dangers of exposure to chemicals and pesticides have been debated for years and most people understand that we are exposed to an alarming number of chemicals every day. Some of these chemicals accumulate in the body, often stored in fatty tissue.
It turns out our exposure may start in the womb. A recent study at the University of Granada studied the placentas of pregnant women for the presence of pesticides. The results were astonishing, 100% of the placentas tested positive for pesticides.
The study tested for 17 known pesticides. While all the mothers tested positive for at least one pesticide, some of the results were even more startling. Some women tested positive for as many as 15 different pesticides.
The future consequences of the presence of pesticides in the placenta are not known. However, some of the pesticides found are known as endocrine disruptive pesticides, which means they are known to disrupt the functioning of certain hormone systems. There are likely to be unknown effects from this exposure.
As far as other exposure, scientists aren’t sure what, if any, effect exposure in the womb has on the child. Are they harmless or is the presence of a high number of chemicals causing gradual evolutionary change to the species? Unfortunately, our grandchildren or great grandchildren will likely answer that question, for better or for worse.
Since all women in the study had at least one pesticide present in the placenta, there is likely nothing you can do to avoid all pesticide exposure. However, you can limit the number of pesticides you ingest. The most obvious way to avoid pesticides is to eat an organic diet.
Many families can’t afford to eat organic for all food purchases, so stick to the fruits and vegetables that contain the highest levels of pesticides. These include strawberries, grapes, cherries, spinach, apples, bell peppers, peaches, pears, celery and potatoes.
Growing your own fruits and vegetables is the least expensive way to get pesticide free produce for your family. A garden is a great family activity, if you have the space. If not, a community garden or co-op is another option. Most have rules banning the use of pesticides or fungicides.
Another way to reduce your exposure to pesticides is to clean and peel fruits and vegetables before you eat them. Washing and peeling won’t remove all the pesticides, but can reduce the amount that enters your body.
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