Recently I posted about pesticides on fruits and vegetables and the ones that are the worst (The Dirty Dozen). Now there are even more reasons to eat organic fruits and vegetables. A new study in the journal Pediatrics associated pesticides, specifically organophosphates, to cases of ADHD in the US and Canada. Research is suggesting that exposure to these pesticides along with other environmental contributors may be contributing to attention problems in children. In a study of 1100 children aged 8 to 15, those with the highest levels of dialkyl phosphates (a breakdown component of organophosphates) had the highest incidence of ADHD. It is already known that children that work on farms and near pesticides have more neurological problems, but this study is just from regular kids with no added exposure risk.
Does this mean that there is a definitive link? Does this mean that the pesticides are causing ADHD? No. Even the author of the research stresses that this is only an association. However, in my opinion, an association to this degree means more research needs to be done. This research SHOULD have been done PRIOR to allowing these pesticides in the US food supply.
So does organic produce cost more? Yes. But what will the price be for the potential added healthcare costs?
Read the TIME article here.
And now you know.