The 12 Most Pesticide Laden Fruits and Vegetables for 2024

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The Environmental Working Group (EWG) releases an annual list called the “Dirty Dozen,” every year that identifies twelve fruits and vegetables that are most contaminated with pesticides. The list is based on data from the U.S. Department of Agriculture  (USDA) and the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). There are many reasons these fruits and vegetables are so dangerous to our health and can impact our diet and fitness.

Here are the biggest reasons these fruits and vegetables are so dangerous:

1. High Levels of Pesticides:

   Pesticides are chemicals that are used to kill pests and save the produce from being destroyed. However, high levels of these chemicals are harmful to human health.

2. Chronic Health Risks:

   Long-term exposure to pesticides is linked to many health problems like cancer, hormone disruption, and neurological issues. They also affect the reproductive system and may lead to developmental problems in children.

3. Acute Health Effects:

   Short-term exposure to high levels of pesticides can cause  nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal pain, dizziness, and skin and eye irritation.

4. Vulnerable Populations:

   Some people are more vulnerable like children, pregnant women, and individuals with compromised immune systems.

5. Environmental Impact:

   The use of pesticides also has a broader environmental impact like contamination of soil and water, poisoning wildlife, your pets and more. This can indirectly  disrupting ecosystems that support food production and harm humans

6. Bioaccumulation:

   Pesticides  accumulate in your body over time. This repeated exposure multiplies the poisonous effects as they accumulate in body tissues.

The “Dirty Dozen” for 2024 according to the Environmental Working Group (EWG) lists the fruits and vegetables with the highest levels of pesticide residues:

1. Strawberries
2. Spinach
3. Kale, collard, and mustard greens
4. Grapes
5. Peaches
6. Pears
7. Nectarines
8. Apples
9. Bell and hot peppers
10. Cherries
11. Blueberries
12. Green beans

So why are Pesticides allowed to be sprayed on fruits and vegetables (4,5) ?

1. Pest Control:

   Pesticides are used to control  pests like insects, weeds, fungi, and rodents. because they can cause significant damage to yilds and quality of crops.

2. Increased Crop Yields:

   It is all about the money! Pesticides  increase crop yields by minimizing the damage caused by pests. That means more food can be produced on the same amount of land… essential for feeding an ever growing global population.

3. Economic Viability:

   Pesticides prevent crop losses and allow  farmers to maintain  the financial stability of their operations.

4. Consumer Demand:

   Consumers demand  fresh fruits and vegetables year-round. As a result, Pesticides help ensure sufficient quantities

5. Regulation and Safety:

   Although regulatory agencies such as the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) in the United States set limits on the amount and types of pesticides …. these agencies are heavily lobbied by big business who want to maintain their profits. It should be noted that Pesticides are  periodically reviewed and updated to reflect new scientific knowledge. That being said, many of the pesticides used in the USA are banned in other countries

6. Global Food Security:

   Pesticides play a role in global food security by helping to protect crops from pests and diseases. In regions where food scarcity is a concern, the use of pesticides can help ensure a stable food supply

Insidershealth Tip:

5 ways you can reduce your exposure to pesticides in fruits and vegetable and choose healthy foods to eat:

1. Buy Organic: Organic foods are grown without synthetic pesticides and may have lower pesticide residues.
2. Wash Your Produce:  Scrub your produce with a brush and using a mild soap or baking soda to remove chemicals on the surface of produce and rinse under warm water
3. Peel Fruits and Vegetables: Peeling reduces pesticides…yet also removes some of the best nutrients that are pfresent in the skins
4. Diversify Your Diet: Eat a variety of fruits and vegetables to minimize your risk of exposure but still wash them carefully
5. Grow Your Own Produce: Grow your own fruits and vegetables so you have complete control over the use of chemicals in your garden.

For more tips on maintaining a healthy diet and lifestyle, check out healthy lifestyle blogs for the latest advice and information.

References:

(1)https://usrtk.org/pesticides/atrazine/

(2)https://www.ucsusa.org/resources/syngenta-harassed-scientist-who-exposed-risks-its-herbicide-atrazine

(3)https://regenerationinternational.org/2023/09/15/atrazine-an-endocrine-disrupting-herbicide-banned-in-europe-is-widely-used-in-the-u-s/

(4)https://www.epa.gov/safepestcontrol/food-and-pesticides

(5)https://www.fda.gov/food/chemical-contaminants-pesticides/pesticides