The levels of pesticides varied considerably, with imported fruit and vegetables tending to have higher levels.
One in seven beans in a pod and one in five yams all had pesticides above the allowed level. One in 70 apples and pears had illegal levels of pesticides.
All of the vegetables and fruits supplied to schools contained pesticides within allowed levels, though nearly all the apples and every one of the bananas had some form of pesticide in them. Many of the pieces of fruit had more than one pesticide.
Sources:
The Telegraph September 24, 2009
Annual Report of the Pesticide Residues Committee, 2008
Dr. Mercola''s Comments:
Whether you live in the UK, U.S. or elsewhere, the important thing to remember about pesticide contamination of your food is that government "allowed levels" do not mean safe levels, especially where your children are concerned.
According to Emma Hockridge of the UK Soil Association,
" we know that children's exposure and susceptibility to pesticides is likely to be higher, as per body weight they ingest more food and drink than adults and their bodies' ability to process and excrete any such residue is different than that of adults."
Hockridge goes on to say,
"Powerful new evidence is emerging that suggests the combined effect of pesticide 'mixtures' may be more significant than previously realized, especially with regard to endocrine disruptors."
Pesticides and Your Health
According to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), 90 percent of fungicides, 60 percent of herbicides and 30 percent of insecticides are known to cause cancer.
Lab studies also indicate pesticides can cause other serious health problems, including:
- Infertility
- Birth defects, miscarriages and stillbirths
- Learning disorders
- Aggressive behavior
- Nerve damage
- Cancer of the breast, prostate and lymphatic system
