Pesticides are designed and used globally to control pest nuisance/damage and have contributed to reducing disease and increasing food production worldwide. But the availability and widespread use of pesticides has also exposed us to potential (direct and indirect) unexpected health risks.  In the US alone, we use and are exposed to over 4.5 billion pounds of pesticides each year (75% commercial and 25% residential).

What can you do to minimize pesticide exposure?

• BUY ORGANIC AND LOCALLY GROWN FRUIT AND VEGETABLES - Buying organic, in-season, produce from your local market is the best assurance of pesticide-free produce.  In addition, national surveys have shown fruits and vegetables from farmers’ markets contain fewer pesticides even if they’re not organic.

• WASH FRUITS AND VEGETABLES BEFORE EATING - For grapes, strawberries, green beans, and leafy vegetables, swirl the foods in a diluted solution of dish detergent and water at room temperature for 5 to 10 seconds, then rinse with slightly warm water. For other fruits and vegetables, use a soft brush to scrub the food with the solution for about 5 to 10 seconds, and then rinse with slightly warm water. Commercial vegetable and fruit washing solutions are also available and are formulated to remove chemical residue from produce.

• GROW YOUR OWN PRODUCE - A backyard garden plot as small as 400 sq. ft. can provide much of the required produce for a family of four. Utilizing organic methods can replace the need for pesticides and chemical fertilizers, and tending the garden is a healthy activity for children. Additionally, planting perennial crops like asparagus, blueberries and strawberries will provide crops for years with very little work. But take notice - even homegrown produce should be washed before eating, since pesticides are sprayed aerially in some regions of the country, and other wind-blown contaminants may reach your garden.  

• USE NON-TOXIC METHODS FOR CONTROLLING INSECTS IN THE HOME AND GARDEN - Using chemical-based commercial insect pest control treatments may introduce chemicals into your home which pose more of a threat than the insects they are designed to kill.  There are effective, non-toxic methods for controlling insect problems in the home, which will kill a broad range of common indoor insects with little or no potential hazard to your family or pets.