A lot of scientific studies have been conducted that prove many chemically engineered pesticides are harmful to humans, especially to pregnant or nursing mothers and children. Not all effects of pesticides are understood yet, so it’s best to avoid them as much as possible unless you like being a lab rat.
When pesticides were tested on animals, it was found they can increase the risk of various cancers, reproductive problems and nervous system issues. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) states that 60% of herbicides, 90% of fungicides and 30% of insecticides are known to cause cancer. 1
Studies proving harm of pesticides
Cancer
Studies published in “The Lancet†medical journal found that exposure to certain pesticides (organochlorines) found in agricultural and industrial products may increase the risk of breast cancer. 2 Links between pesticide exposure and brain cancer have also been found by French researchers. 3 Research done in Iowa and North Carolina found that farmers who used pesticides had a 14% greater risk of developing prostate cancer than the general population. 4 According the to Lymphoma Foundation exposure to pesticides increases the chances of getting lymphoma (cancer of white blood cells). 5
Parkinsons’s is a degenerative neurological condition that causes movement difficulty, tremors and facial tics.  A European study led by the University of Aberdeen surveyed almost 3,000 people, 767 with Parkinson’s, in 5 different countries. They found people with Parkinson’s were more likely to have used pesticides: casual gardeners were 9% more likely and farmers 43% more likely than non-users to develop the disease. There are other factors, such as family history leading to the disease, but limiting pesticides is one way to help prevent it. 6 Infertility. Several studies have been conducted 7 finding that males with regular pesticide exposure have reduced sperm quality. Those seeking in vitro fertilization (IVF) therapies had a 78% to 48% decline in IVF success. Miscarriage. Mothers living close to areas with pesticide use had a 40 to 120% increased risk of miscarriage. 8
How to reduce pesticides in your life
Buy organic foods when possible. If you are concerned for your budget, use the Environmental Working Group’s handy chart to avoid the most highly polluted fruits and vegetables and only buy those in organic form. For those fruits and vegetables that are not organic, washing removes some pesticides but is not enough. Peeling helps but often removes valuable nutrients. Instead, when you can’t get organic, try to vary your fruits and veggies and stick to produce low on the contaminated produce list. Make sure you also buy organic meat, as this is often an overlooked source of pesticides. Don’t use bug sprays containing DEET unless it’s truly necessary, e.g. you will be visiting a mosquito infested swamp where malaria is rampant. Instead, use natural bug sprays containing essential oils, which can be found in any health food store and now even in many conventional drugstores and grocery stores.  Reduce or eliminate pesticides in your home (plant and flower sprays). Look for natural pest control, such as basil, which is a natural insect repellent. Peppermint repels ants and mice and garlic repels Japanese beetles.
1Pesticide Exposure Elevates Parkinson’s Risks
2 The Lancet 1998;352;1816-1820.
3Heavy pesticide exposure linked to brain cancer
4 Reuter’s Health May 1, 2003
5Science, Precaution And Pesticides, by Peter Montague
6Exposure to pesticides can cause Parkinson’s
7 -Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology, Radbond University, Netherlands, Lancet, April 17, 1993, pg. 987
- The Lancet August 7,1999;354:484-485
- Dr. Hein Strokum, Institute of Sterility Treatment, Vienna, Austria, American Journal of Industrial Medicine, Vol. 24:587-592, 1983
- Drs. Khawla J. Balash, Muthanna A. Al-Omar, Univ. of Baghdad, Biological Research Center, Scientific Research Council, Baghdad, Iraq, Bulletin of Environmental Contamination Tox., Vol. 39:434-442, 1987
8 Erin Bell (Ph.D.) University of North Carolina School of Public Health, SOURCE: Epidemiology, March 2001
![[image]](http://mowser.com/img?url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.feedburner.com%2Ffb%2Fimages%2Fpub%2Ffeed-icon16x16.png)
Nice article. Thank you for the chart..!
I think I read it on DIY network that neem tree oil can also be used as a natural pesticide.
Thanks for the tip! One of my upcoming articles is on natural pest control
All Things Eco Blog Carnival Volume 101 » Focus Organic.com // May 17, 2010 at 11:56 am
[...] presents Pesticides in fruits & veggies linked to Cancer, Parkinson's & more posted at Key to [...]
All Things Eco Blog Carnival Volume 101 // May 17, 2010 at 12:10 pm
[...] presents Pesticides in fruits & veggies linked to Cancer, Parkinson’s & more posted at Key to [...]