DOES GREEN ALWAYS MEAN “GOOD”?
By Linda Berman, M.Ed. “Coach in Your Corner”
How do we know that SUMMER is on the way?
If we look around, we’ll see lawns in our neighborhoods with little flags (mandated by state law) notifying us of recent pesticide applications and we probably will find mailbox flyers advertising the best chemicals for killing our weeds and building up our green turf!!
Are pesticides harmful for my family?
Scientists have found links between our exposure to pesticides and health problems, including reproductive and neurological damage. Children are more sensitive to harm than adults. The long-term effect from continuous exposure to low levels of chemical pesticides is a subject of ongoing debate.
Why are children more vulnerable to pesticide health risks than adults?
Growing children may consume more pesticide residue than adults relative to body weight. Also, infants and children eat and drink more than adults, possibly increasing their exposure to pesticides in food and water. Certain behaviors--such as playing on floors or lawns or putting objects in their mouths—increase a child’s exposure to pesticides used in homes and yards. Researchers continue to gather detailed evidence that EPA’s concerns are important. For example, one recent study showed that detoxification rates of common insecticides are four times more effective in mothers than in their infant children.
Is it true that there may be a link between ADD (Attention Deficit Disorder) in children and pesticide exposure?
YES! A recent analysis of U.S. Health Data reported that exposure to common pesticides used on fruits and vegetables are linked with ADD in children. Although the study didn’t prove that pesticides contribute to learning problems in children, experts are saying that the research is persuasive. Virginia Rauh, Professor of Clinical Population and Family Health Deputy Director, Columbia Center for Children's Environmental Health, Columbia University, studied prenatal exposure to pesticides and said that these findings should be taken very seriously and should prompt further research.
How was this actually measured?
The body’s breakdown of pesticides into compounds can be measured in urine. These compounds showed up in the urine of 94% of the children in the recent study. Those with higher levels had greater chances of having ADHD (Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder), a common problem often causing students to have difficulty in school. These findings, recently reported in Pediatrics are based on one-time urine samples from 1,139 children (ages 8-15) and parent interviews to determine which children had ADHD.
Is there any other research on pesticides affecting our children?
Children's exposure to pesticides has been documented in several "snapshot" studies that tested for a range of pesticide residues in single urine or blood samples. Using a novel approach, a recent study of Seattle area children tested two daily urine samples over a period of days looking for residues of two types of insecticides — organophosphates and pyrethroids. By alternating children's diet between conventionally and organically grown food, researchers were able to see a bigger picture that pointed toward food or other factors as the source of their exposure. Results reported so far boiled down to this: Organophosphate insecticides were not used by any families in their homes, but the children were still exposed through their food except when they switched to organic produce. In the case of pyrethroids, children continued to be exposed, even when organic produce was substituted. Children whose families used pyrethroid insecticides in and around the home had the highest levels of pyrethroids and analysis showed that this home pesticide use was their primary source of exposure.
How safe are the foods we eat?
USDA monitoring recently showed that 70 percent of the fresh fruits and vegetable samples that the agency tested were contaminated with at least one pesticide. About 40 percent of the samples were contaminated with more than one pesticide. Certain fruits and vegetables are contaminated even more frequently, including over 95 percent of both apples and peppers. USDA found pesticide contamination in all of the milk samples that the agency tested. Almost 40 percent of the samples that USDA tested of soybeans, an ingredient in many infant formulas, were contaminated.
What can we do to reduce our family’s exposure to pesticides?
Although some exposure to pesticides is difficult to avoid, you can significantly reduce pesticides in your diet and your surroundings. Here are a few simple suggestions:
Organic diets quickly and significantly lower children’s pesticide exposure levels. Talk to farmers at the market about their methods. Although smaller growers may use fewer pesticides, they may not have obtained organic certification.
Wash your produce with running water and a soft scrub brush to remove any pesticide residues, dirt and bacteria.
Know the risks of which foods are likely to contain high levels of pesticide residues and buy organic peaches, apples, sweet bell pepper, celery, nectarines, strawberries, cherries, lettuce, imported grapes, pears, spinach and potatoes whenever possible.
Grow your own fruits and vegetables in a garden, community plot or windowsill container so you’ll know they don’t have pesticide residue!
Use safer repellents made with soybean oil-based products such as Bite Blocker. Mesh clothing is also effective. If you must use repellent with the chemical DEET, choose one with no more than a 10% concentration, limit application to only once per day, and avoid hands and mouth. It is advisable not to use products that mix DEET with sunscreen.
Avoid using weed-and-feed or other lawn and garden chemicals. Weed killers and insecticides should be used only as a last resort. It is recommended that spot-treatments are better than broad applications. Keeping your family and pets away from application areas for at least 24 hours or longer if directed is an important safety precaution. Make sure to dispose of any leftover pesticides at a recycling site. To find one near you, try Earth911.org.
Advocate for pesticide reduction in your neighborhoods, parks, schools and at work.
Promote healthy schools as your children spend 30-50% of their time there during the school year. A healthy, safe school environment helps your children learn and grow to their full potential.
Linda Berman, M.Ed. is an Educational Consultant, Tutor and Coach. Her office at Greensquare Center for the Healing Arts- www.GreensquareCenter.com is located at 6789 N. Green Bay Ave, Glendale, WI 53209. You may contact her at Greensquare Center (414) 292-3900 ext. 221 or at Coachinyourcorner@yahoo.com for a complimentary one half hour consultation.
References:
Children's Exposure to Pesticides: Diet vs. Home Pesticide Use, Healthier Homes and Gardens, February 2008
Real Flower Power- Naturally, Exchange Food and Wellness Journal, May 2007
Study Ties Pesticides with ADHD in Kids, Carla K. Johnson, The Associated Press – May 17, 2010
www.healthylawns.org
www.organicgardening.com
www.pesticides.org
www.epa.gov/pesticides/food
