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Specialists indicated that pesticide residues are found in great quantity in organic products.
STATES CHRONICLE – A new report developed by the Environmental Working Group indicated that Americans might become less healthy if they continue to consume organic products. Approximately 70% of samples of 48 different types of traditionally grown products were contaminated with pesticides. Thus, the report reveals that 6.6% of organic products indicate pesticide residues on their surface.
On March 8th, specialists published the EWG Shopper’s Guide to Pesticides in Produce. The new research suggested that the existence of pesticide contamination of common vegetables and fruits. Approximately 36,000 organic products were tested by the US Department of Agriculture and the Food and Drug Administration.
The study indicated that this year strawberries were the organic products which had the highest concentration of pesticides. Avocados and sweet corn were claimed to have the lowest level of pesticide residues. Pesticides are used in the production process of food to annihilate pests like fungus, mold, bacteria, weeds, rodents and insects.
What is more, they are also used by specialists to protect public health by dominating organisms which carry tropical illnesses, like mosquitoes. Based on the data provided by the World Health Organization, pesticides are harmful to humans. These chemicals may have adverse effects on nervous or immune systems, reproduction and they may lead to several terrible health problems, even leading to cancer.
The residues of these substances are extremely toxic, and they may be found in vegetables and fruits even after you wash them and, in some cases, even after you peel them. Nevertheless, the report developed in 2014 by the USDA revealed that the pesticide residues on tested foods indicated they were at levels lower than the ones established by the Environmental Protection Agency, not jeopardizing the safety of consumers.
The list of organic products which contain pesticide residues includes, starting with the most increased amount, strawberries, spinach, nectarines, apples, peaches, celery, grapes, pears, cherries, tomatoes, sweet bell peppers, and potatoes. Strawberries are located at the top of the list indicating the existence of at least 20 different pesticides.
The second position in the list is occupied by spinach which revealed to bear twice as much pesticide residue by weight compared to any other crop. The report showed that every year, an American consumes approximately eight pounds of fresh strawberries. Even if these fruits are washed before eating, they are still likely to contain pesticide residue.
Image courtesy of: pixabay
