Pesticides are unique among the chemicals we release into the environment. They are designed to kill living organisms such as insects, plants, and fungi that are considered “pests.” Because they are toxic by design, many pesticides pose health dangers to people.
According to United States and International government agencies, pesticides have been linked to a number of health problems, such as nervous system toxicity, cancer, hormone system effects, and skin, eye, and lung irritation.
Most Americans have detectable concentrations of multiple pesticide residues in their bodies, according to studies by scientists at the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. The studies also show that people, and even the developing fetus, are also routinely exposed to hundreds of industrial chemicals.
Protecting our families’ health from chemical exposures can start with minimizing children’s exposure to pesticides. It is well established that pesticides pose a risk to vital organ systems that grow and mature from conception throughout infancy and childhood. Exposure to pesticides and other toxic chemicals during rapid development can have lasting adverse effects both in early childhood and later in life.
Because consumers realize the major health threat posed by pesticides, they wonder if the government actually regulates these toxic chemicals. The answer is yes, to some extent. But government action has been far too slow and compromised by industry influence. The government said that highly toxic pesticides like DDT, chlordane and dursban were safe, right up to the day the Environmental Protection Agency banned them.
Each of us can opt for food safety today by choosing to purchase produce low in pesticides and by buying organically-raised fruits and vegetables as frequently as possible. This way we can protect our families’ health from the harmful effects of pesticides and preserve our own future and the future of the environment.
Maid Brigade House Cleaning Services believe that people have a right to know what is in their food, so they can choose foods with fewer pesticides.
Maid Brigade also believes that the government should takes steps to reduce the amount of toxic chemicals, including pesticides, in the food supply.
Share your comments about pesticides with us. For more information about green living, please go to greencleancertified.com and maidbrigade.com.
