Wherever you live, there are probably more than 250 synthetic industrial chemicals in your body that were not present in the bodies of your grandparents when they were your age. Earlier this year, the Environmental Working Group released a report estimating that every day, 1.1 million children eat food that, even after it is washed, contains an unsafe dose of 13 organophosphate pesticides. The foods found to most likely contain unsafe pesticide levels are peaches, apples, nectarines, popcorn and pears. Among baby foods, pears, peaches and apple juice had the highest levels. Remember - many of these pesticides on vegetables are not water soluble and cannot be washed off simply with water.
Invisible pesticides become part of the most ordinary looking meals.
With the experience of the last 50 to 75 years, we know that these pesticides cause birth defects in many species, including humans. They cause mutations, and harm the nervous system. Symptoms such as headache, intestinal cramps, excessive secretions and spasms are often confused by doctors with those of heat stroke, heat exhaustion, low blood sugar, gastroenteritis, and severe respiratory infections. Environmentally, these poisons become deeply embedded in our planet's life support systems and are particularly toxic to birds, aquatic life and, of course, insects. Yes, the EPA is now conducting a review of the organophosphates because of a 1996 law and it is considering whether to change the acceptable residue levels in food.