A recent medical study has been in the news regarding a link between pesticides and attention deficit/hyperactive disorder in children. The study is primarily honing in on the relationship of organophosphate levels in children with add/adhd. Studies have also been done on organophosphate levels in children with autism. Organophosphates are defined as a chemical substance that is widely used as insecticide and in household cleaners. According to emedicine.com, over 25,000 brands of pesticides are available in the United States, and their use is monitored by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).
It is alarming to think that there are so many brands of pesticides controlled by the EPA. It is even scarier that food producers use these products on fresh fruit & veggie crops. Multiple studies have been done regarding the relationship between organophosphates and their behavioral effect in humans when consumed. To me it isn't rocket science that these pesticides could potentially be harmful to the human body. Although, you know what they say about opinions...they are like ears everyone has at least two. HAHA...
The true whistle blower on this issue will be the sound scientific evidence provided in the study that will be published in the June 2010 issue of Pediatrics. In America, we are seeing astounding numbers of autism, add, and adhd. It has to be linked to somthing. Current statistics state that the chance of having an autistic child is 1 in 150. Autism is more prevalent in boys affecting nearly 1 in every 70. You have to ask yourself what are we doing now that is different from years past in our society? What is causing this to occur so frequently in children? I can tell you this...food production has changed, chemicals have changed, consumption has changed, and our environment has changed.
Links for more info on Organophosphates and their effect on the body:
http://emedicine.medscape.com/article/1175139-overview
http://www.nature.com/mp/journal/v10/n11/abs/4001714a.html
http://www.thelancet.com/journals/lancet/article/PIIS0140-6736(02)09914-2/fulltext
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC1867968/
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Great info! Also, my friend Leila posted this petition to stop California from approving methyl iodide - a toxic chemical and known carcinogen - for use as a pesticide on strawberries and other food crops.
http://act.credoaction.com/campaign/methyl_iodide/