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What this paper specifically highlights is that this may be true even at low concentrations.” ~Researcher Marc Weisskopf of the Harvard School of Public Health, who worked on the study.

Parents are being urged to wash their produce thoroughly due to a recent study in the US that found a link between attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and pesticides known as organophosphates.

This link was discovered when children’s urine was tested to track the breakdown of pesticides. Children with high levels of pesticide exposure were twice as likely as those with undetectable levels to have ADHD.

Insecticides such as malathion are widely used in the US among about 40 organophosphate pesticides registered in the states.

It is also important to note all foods are not created equal when it comes to pesticides. Some foods hold on to pesticides more than others. This makes a case for eating organic foods because more kid-friendly foods like frozen blueberries, celery, fresh strawberries, even apples can still retain pesticide residue and high levels of exposure can be toxic. Here’s a guide to help you figure out what does and does not to be bought organic in my post Top 5 Questions You May Have About Organic Food

mayoclinic.com defines ADHD as “a chronic condition that affects millions of children and often persists into adulthood. Problems associated with ADHD include inattention and hyperactive, impulsive behavior. Children with ADHD may struggle with low self-esteem, troubled relationships and poor performance in school.”

What a shame to acquire such a potentially life altering disorder so early on in life due to pesticides.

This study is a correlation study which means the study searches for a relationship between variables. In this study an association, or correlation, was found between one occurrence and another. More studies will need to be done to be sure this finding is sound in terms of hard science and potential lawsuits from the pesticide industry. It’s a strong correlation though and washing fruit more thoroughly for anyone seems like a good idea.

Here’s the produce wash I use now via savvybrownblog.com: 5 Cheap Fruit and Veggie Wash Ideas

Here’s how I got more fruit into my diet safely and if I can do it you can too: My Top 5 Ways For Getting More Fruit In My Daily Diet

Src: reuters.com

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