Even low levels of pesticide consumed
over time can be problematic
A study in the journal Occupational and Environmental Medicine, for instance, found that people who had been exposed to low levels of pesticides were 1.13 times as likely to have Parkinson's disease as those who had never been exposed. Other studies have also linked pesticides to health problems including:
Diseases Attributed to low level Pesticides
Childhood leukemia Cancer Fertility problems Brain tumors
Birth defects Nervous system Non-Hodgkin's lymphoma Irritation to skin and eyes
Hormone or endocrine system problems
The MOST Contaminated Fruits and Veggies (Only Buy These in Organic Forms):
Peaches Sweet Bell Peppers Nectarines Celery
Strawberries Cherries Lettuce Kale
Grapes (Imported) Spinach Pears Carrots
LEAST amount of pesticide residues were:
Onions Sweet corn (frozen) Pineapples
Sweet peas (frozen) Cabbage Eggplant
Papaya Broccoli Tomatos
Chemical Sensitivities: A Growing Problem
Because health care practitioners do not yet recognize chemical sensitivities as an actual disorder, there is no real estimate of how many people are impacted. Some experts suggest that up to 10 percent of people may suffer from exposure to chemicals, while the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency reported that one-third of people working in sealed buildings claim to be sensitive to one or more common chemicals. Among those with chemical sensitivities, exposure to even very low amounts of chemicals including solvents, VOC's (Volatile Organic Compounds), perfumes, petrol, diesel, smoke, and those used in many personal care products cause an allergy-like reaction. Symptoms of chemical sensitivity include:
Headache Trouble concentrating Nausea Diarrhea Muscle and joint pain
Fatigue Dizziness Difficulty breathing Irregular heartbeat Seizures
If you experience any of these symptoms, you could be sensitive to chemicals in your personal care products or around your home and should strictly avoid such exposures when you can. However, even if you don't think you have sensitivities, it's still a good idea to opt for chemical-free cleansers.
Related Topics: Chemical in Cosmetics and cleansers
