The Environmental Working Group (EWG) states you can reduce exposure to pesticides by approximately 80% by choosing organic when buying 12 items of produce. The epidemic problem of pesticides in food has been met head on by this non-profit organization whose mission is to use the power of public information to protect public health and the environment. Established in 1993, their main goal is to protect children, babies, and infants in the womb from health problems attributed to a wide array of toxic contaminants, as well as change policies and legislature to support conservation and sustainable development.
 
The Dirty Dozen
EWG started testing produce in the mid 90’s and found at least one pesticide in 68 percent of the samples analyzed. 11% of these samples have a stunning 5 or more different residues. Pesticides are designed to kill living organisms, so how can we possible avoid them. The simple answer is by eating 100% organic. For some people this isn’t financially feasible so the EWG came up with a list of the most toxic foods. When conventionally grown, the “Dirty Dozen” test positive for at least 47 different chemicals, with some testing for as many as 67. Ideally these twelve fruits and vegetables would ONLY be consumed if organic.

  • Celery
  • Peaches
  • Strawberries
  • Apples
  • Domestic blueberries
  • Nectarines
  • Sweet bell peppers
  • Spinach, kale and collard greens
  • Cherries
  • Potatoes
  • Imported grapes
  • Lettuce

 
Regulation and More
According to the Environmental Protection Agency, “laboratory studies show that pesticides can cause health problems, such as birth defects, nerve damage, cancer, and other effects that might occur over a long period of time.  However, these effects depend on how toxic the pesticide is and how much of it is consumed. For these reasons, the Federal Government, in cooperation with the States, carefully regulates pesticides to ensure that their use does not pose unreasonable risks to human health or the environment. In particular, the Federal pesticide program is designed to ensure that these products can be used with a reasonable certainty that they will pose no harm to infants, children, and adults.” So we are basically supposed to trust the government to look out for us? Watchdogs like Pesticide Action Network  as well as EWG and many others think the regulations set by the USDA and other governing organizations are too lenient and recent studies are proving their stance.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s national biomonitoring program has detected pesticides in blood and urine samples from 96 percent of more than 5,000 Americans age 6 and older (CDC 2009b).  And more than 60 percent of Americans tested positive for seven or more of these pesticides and pesticide metabolites.
A recent study by scientists at the University of Washington finds that children fed predominantly organic produce and juice had only one-sixth the level of pesticide byproducts in their urine compared with children who ate conventionally farmed foods.
 
Pesticide Related Health Problems
The list of health issues that are linked to pesticides are long and scary. They range from cancer to developmental issues, to Parkinson’s’ Disease, neurological disorders, reproductive and hormonal system disruptions. Below are just a couple articles with tangible statistics and facts.
Livestrong on Pesticide Affects
Pesticide Action Network – Pesticides in Your Body
 
The Good News – Clean 15
There are a number of foods that contain such a low level of pesticide residue you don’t really need to buy them organic. Please note that when you buy organic you are supporting more than just your personal health. You are protecting the workers and neighbors of farms, as well as Mother Earth from the toxic effects of chemicals.
1. Onions
2. Sweet Corn
3. Pineapple
4. Avocado
5. Asparagus
6. Sweet peas
7. Mango
8. Eggplant
9. Cantaloupe (domestic)
10. Kiwi
11. Cabbage
12. Watermelon
13. Sweet Potatoes
14. Grapefruit
15. Mushrooms