The use of pesticides is a common practice in the agricultural world, designed to control pests – such as insects, rodents and fungi – that are often carriers of diseases. Pesticides are also known for their ability to increase crop yields, which in turn supports farms and assists with the issue of food insecurity.
Sounds good, right?
Not so fast. Did you know that pesticides are among the leading causes of death due to self-poisoning, especially in low- and middle-income countries?1 And that according to a World Health Organization and United Nations Environment Programme report, three million people of the world’s population are poisoned, with 200,000 dying due to exposure?2 These numbers are shocking, so while there are certainly benefits to the use of pesticides in agriculture on several levels, the mass health effect that pesticides have on the environment and humans must be taken seriously.
The Hidden Health Risks of Pesticides
In most cases, pesticides are mixed with water and delivered to crops using mechanical sprayers, typically high volume and utilizing a boom sprayer (though methods like drip irrigation and seed treatments are utilized as well). Once sprayed, the crops absorb toxic chemicals within the pesticides. As these crops grow, the pesticides remain on the fruits and vegetables, even after a good washing, leaving many individuals vulnerable to various health conditions, ranging from acute to chronic. These can include:3
- Cancers (brain cancer, breast cancer, prostate cancer, bladder cancer, and colon cancer)
- Alzheimer’s disease
- Parkinson’s disease
- Neurotoxicity
- Infertility
- Leukemia
- Diabetes
An interesting analysis conducted by Consumer Reports had a great deal to say about the use of pesticides and their negative impact on fruits and vegetables. Looking at seven years of data from the Department of Agriculture (which is pulled annually and tests both traditional and organic fruits and vegetables), Consumer Reports found that 59% of the most common fruits and vegetables that were affected by pesticides posed substantial risks in 20%.4 With this, concerns over safeguarding health from the toxicity of pesticides is clearly justified.
How to Reduce Pesticide Residue on Your Produce
While the situation of pesticides and its negative impact is considerably dire, there are steps that consumers can take to protect themselves when preparing to enjoy fruits and vegetables. These include:5
- Wash hands with soap and water in advance of preparation
- Discard the outer portion of leafy vegetables, focusing on eating the inner portion
- Rinse fruits and vegetables with cool water for at least 30 seconds
- Use a produce wash product (never use dish soaps or detergents)
- Fruits and vegetables marked “ready to eat” or “pre-washed” do not require any washing
- Wash produce that needs to be peeled (chemicals from the outside can get to the inside)
- After washing produce, pat it dry with a clean towel
- Only wash produce when you are ready to use it, not before
Luckily, as we as a society become more and more knowledgeable about the effect of pesticides on fruits and vegetables and how to prevent associated health issues, we can make more informed decisions about securing those nutrients we need.
Key Takeaways
- Pesticides pose significant health risks, including cancer, neurological diseases, and infertility.
- Washing produce properly can minimize exposure to harmful chemicals.
- Choose organic options when possible and stay informed about pesticide risks.
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References
- Pesticide residues in food. World Health Organization website. https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/pesticide-residues-in-food September 15, 2022.
- Pesticides impacts on human health and the environment with their mechanisms of action and possible countermeasures. National Library of Medicine website. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC11016626/ April 4, 2024.
- Pesticides impacts on human health and the environment with their mechanisms of action and possible countermeasures. National Library of Medicine website. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC11016626/ April 4, 2024.
- Pesticides pose a significant risk in 20% of fruits and vegetables, Consumer Reports finds. CBS News website. https://www.cbsnews.com/news/organic-fruits-vegetables-consumer-reports-pesticides/ April 18, 2024.
- Pesticides on fruits and vegetables. MedlinePlus website. https://medlineplus.gov/ency/article/001987.htm#
