Feed Kids Organically to Reduce Pesticide Intake

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Thursday, 06 February 2003

Children eating organic fruits and vegetables had concentrations of pesticide metabolites six times lower than children eating conventional produce according to research carried out by the University of Washington. The study analysed pesticide breakdown products (metabolites) in pre-school aged children. It compared metabolite concentrations of organophosphorus (OP) pesticides (a class of insecticides that disrupt the nervous system) in the urine of 39 urban and suburban children aged 2 to 4 years. The researchers' findings point to a relatively simple way for parents to reduce their children's chemical loads - serve organic produce.

Source: Soil Association website: www.SoilAssociation.org