Every year, the Environmental Working Group (EWG) puts out a list of the produce with the highest concentration of pesticides after being washed or peeled. For those concerned about the pesticide load on their food, this is a story you want to pay attention to and share with your friends.
The big shocker this year? Kale has risen to 3rd place, up from its position of 8 last year.
RELATED STORY:
In a statement announcing the list, EWG toxicologist Alexis Temkin, Ph.D. said, “We were surprised kale had so many pesticides on it, but the test results were unequivocal. Fruits and vegetables are an important part of everyone’s diet, and when it comes to some conventionally grown produce items, such as kale, choosing organic may be a better option.”1
“The lists are based on more than 40,900 fruit and vegetable samples tested by the USDA and the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). Overall, pesticides were found on nearly 70 percent of non-organic produce sold in the U.S., according to EWG. One of the pesticides found was Dacthal, which was found on nearly 60 percent of kale samples. It has been found by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency to possibly cause cancer in humans and has been banned from being used on crops in the EU since 2009. Another chemical found on apples, diphenylamine, has also been banned in the EU over cancer concerns.”
Apples are back near the top of the #DirtyDozen™ list. What keeps them in that position? A chemical called diphenylamine. It has been banned in the EU due to links to stomach and esophageal cancers. What are your options for safer apples? Find out here: https://t.co/zGMi5mw6p3 pic.twitter.com/HF2q8nNwOr
— EWG (@ewg) March 20, 2019
RELATED STORY:
Exposure to pesticides is especially dangerous for children in the womb and young children since they are still developing.
“Even low levels of pesticide exposure can be harmful to children. When possible, parents and caregivers should take steps to lower children’s exposures to pesticides while still feeding them diets rich in healthy fruits and vegetables.” ~ Pediatrician Dr. Philip Landrigan
If buying organic is not affordable or possible the EWG still advises consumers to eat their veggies. According to EWG research analyst Carla Burns, “The health benefits of a diet rich in fruits and vegetables outweigh the risks of pesticide exposure.”
What All Parents Need to Know About Pesticides in Produce https://t.co/JtqHYjlSLe @pesticideaction @bpncamp
— EcoWatch (@EcoWatch) May 21, 2018
The takeaway is this: if you can avoid pesticides, please do. If you have to choose between eating fruits and vegetables that have pesticides or no fruits and veggies, please eat your fruits and veggies.
SOURCE:
