Buy organic. New study finds pesticides linked to ADHD in children.

Pesticides are used to control insect damage.(forestryimages.org)

A recent study published in the journal Pediatrics finds detectable concentrated levels of pesticides, one in particular malathion, in fresh strawberries, celery, and even frozen blueberries. Pesticides are commonly used to control the insects that threaten the food supply. However, increasing levels of pesticides have been detected on fruit and vegetable samples as well as in the urine of study participants.

Detectable concentrations of malathion were found in 19 percent of celery samples, 25 percent of fresh strawberry samples, and 28 percent of frozen blueberry samples.

The study found concentrated levels of pesticide metabolites in the urine of over 1,000 children selected from the National Health and Nutritional Examination Survey. Most pesticide residues leave the body after three to six days. Since pesticide concentration levels were identified in such a high number of children, the results are indicative of repeated continual exposure through their diet.

Children may be more susceptible to pesticide health risks because they typically consume more pesticide residue than adults because of their relative body weight.

The study also found that those children with a 10-fold increase in the metabolites were over 50 percent more likely to be diagnosed with ADHD. ADHD currently affects over 4.5 million children in the United States today. 

Apples are included in the 'dirty dozen".

Fruits and vegetables have always been thought of as health foods. Parents can and should continue to offer them to their families with one significant modification. Buy organic versions of those favorite fruits and vegetables. The popular “dirty dozen” list of recommended foods to purchase organic includes fruits, vegetables, and other foods containing the highest pesticide levels. According to the Environmental Working Group, consumers can reduce their pesticide exposure by almost 80 percent by avoiding these most contaminated foods.

One option is to buy produce through local farmer’s markets. Various Metropolitan DC farmers markets offer certified organic produce and use integrated pest management (IPA) or chemical-free pest solutions instead of typical chemical pesticides.

• Mount Pleasant Farmer’s Market – a producer-only market that supplies local fruit, vegetables, meats, dairy, and other prepared foods to the Mount Pleasant neighborhood of DC. All producers are located within 125 miles of Washington DC and most are certified organic or use chemical-free methods of pest management.
• MOM’s Organic Market – with six locations in the DC Metro area, MOM’s sells only 100 percent USDA certified organic produce and stocks a higher percentage of organic products than any other major grocery chain.
• Norman’s Farm Market – has been providing the DC metro area with fresh produce for over 20 years. They boast an extensive network of small family farms that practice sustainable methods of agriculture including organic, chemical free, and naturally grown products.