Are Pesticides in Your Food?
What are Pesticides?
Pesticides are any mixture of substances used to kill, prevent, repel or mitigate pests. Pests include insects, weeds, birds, mammals, fungi and viruses. Pesticides are used to minimize pest damage to plants, humans or animals. Although pesticides are excellent at controlling pests, certain types of pesticides can be toxic and harmful. Caution should be taken when choosing the right pest control solution for your garden.
Pesticides On Crops Leave Residue On Food
Farmers and gardeners use pesticides on their plants, but these chemical pesticides remain in the soil and water for a long time, since they cannot be broken down easily. Pesticide residue can make its way into your food and water long after plants have been treated. Trace amounts of pesticides will also remain on your food after washing and peeling. With the health risks of traditional, chemical pesticides, the organic movement emerged. Organic pesticides offer an alternative pest control solution that’s natural, with no synthetic or man-made chemicals. Organic pesticides are easily broken down in the environment into elements that nature and plants can use. They take advantage of nature’s own defenses by using plant extracts and plant oils for pest control. When buying organic pesticides, be sure to read the labels carefully to ensure they are truly organic. Organic pesticides are safe to use up to the day of harvest and can be used on trees, vegetables, shrubs, flowers, and houseplants.
Effects Of Chemical Pesticides
Every type of chemical pesticide has different health risks. Some affect the nervous system, such as organophosphates and carbamates. Other chemical pesticides can irritate the eyes and skin, while others are carcinogens, which increase the risk of cancer. Other chemical pesticides can affect the body’s endocrine system, which consists of glands that secrete different types of hormones into the bloodstream. Hormones regulate functions, such as mood, growth, metabolism, and development. There are many studies linking chemical pesticide exposure to infertility, cancer, birth defects and damage to the brain, as well as the nervous system. Plus, chemical pesticides can exacerbate allergies and asthma.
Chemical Pesticides Affect Children More Than Adults
Chemical pesticides affect infants and children more than adults for several reasons. When you consider body weight, infants eat and drink more than adults. This can increase their exposure to chemical pesticides, especially in commercially grown fruits and vegetables, as well as water. A child’s internal organs are developing and maturing, and chemical pesticides block the absorption of important food nutrients. In certain stages of a child’s development, pesticides can permanently alter the way their biological system operates. Scientists have found a link between chemical pesticides and ADHD or Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder. Also, children often put objects in their mouths and have direct contact with contaminated surfaces, such as pets, carpets, lawns, and furniture, further increasing their exposure to chemical pesticides.
What Can Consumers Do To Reduce Pesticides In Their Food
Typically, the pesticide used will vary between plants, so avoid repeat exposure by eating a variety of different foods. Wash, peel and cook food. Unfortunately, washing may not be effective, because some pesticides penetrate the skin of fruit or vegetable. Also, some pesticides are developed to be water resistant. Alternatives to pesticides are available, including genetic modification, using methods to interfere with insect breeding, and pest control cultivation methods. These alternatives are often safer than traditional, chemical pesticides. Also, the EPA continues to register reduced-risk conventional pesticides. Organic pesticides are more ideal for gardeners, since this form of pest control is easily accessible to consumers.
Organic Pesticides - Derived From Plants
Organic pesticides use plant extracts for pest control. One type of plant extract is pyrethrin, which is found in the seed cases of the perennial plant pyrethrum, or the chrysanthemum. Pyrethrins are neurotoxins that attack the nervous systems of insects. Another plant extract found in organic pesticides is neem oil. This vegetable oil is made by pressing fruits and seeds from the neem tree. Neem oil repels many pests, including mealy bugs, aphids, thrips, whiteflies, Japanese beetles, ants, termites and more.
Organic Pesticides
If you’re searching for organic pesticides, be sure to choose products that display the Organic Materials Review Institute and USDA National Organic Program seals. These products have been reviewed and approved for organic gardening.
Guest post sponsored by Safer Brand(R).
