Pesticide Exposure in Children: Real-Life Exposure Tests
Children and especially pregnant women are more vulnerable to pesticide exposure. If we test the real-world exposure levels, what would the result be?
Milos Pokimica
Written By: Milos Pokimica
Medically Reviewed by: Dr. Xiùying Wáng, M.D.
Updated August 4, 2023Most of us know we are living in a toxic and polluted environment. Most of us know that we are exposed to pollution and have an increased risk of a wide range of diseases that these toxic chemicals can cause. Chronic health effects of pesticide exposure include cancer and other tumors; brain and nervous system damage; birth defects; infertility and other reproductive problems; and damage to the liver, kidneys, lungs, and other body organs, leukemia, birth defects, stillbirth, spontaneous abortion, sterility and infertility, endocrine disruption, genotoxicity, and impaired brain development. Pesticide exposure is something that is deadly as any other deadly poison with one difference. When we start to notice the first symptoms, the damage has already been done.
Children and especially pregnant women are more vulnerable to pesticide exposure because the nervous systems and immune systems of the baby are still developing.
Because of their higher rates of cell division and lower body weight, children’s susceptibility to pesticide exposure is higher and the dosages are much lower than dosages that adult males would be able to cope with for example. Also, babies and children have immature organs and their immune system and detoxicating enzymes do not work as well as in adults so they are particularly vulnerable to toxic contaminants. Pesticide exposure during certain early development periods can cause permanent damage. If we analyze real-world pesticide exposure in real-life scenarios what would the result be? Are we in real danger or all of the talk about the vegan diet and eating low on a food chain to avoid bioaccumulation in a food chain of all of the lipophilic POPs (persistent organic pollutants) just an overblown marketing story? What is an official recommendation and what do the FDA toxicologists say about all of this?
In this study (Vogt et al., 2012) California children were tested for pesticide exposure to multiple dietary contaminants.
Cancer safety levels were exceeded by all children (100%) for arsenic, DDE, dieldrin, and dioxins.
In past times it was rarely a situation where the entire population was poisoned, every single participant measured with no exceptions. Also, the safety non-cancer benchmark level for acrylamide was exceeded by 96 percent of preschool-age children, and also 10 percent of children were above safety levels for mercury.
Acrylamide is a substance recognized as a carcinogen by U.S. government agencies. It is created at high temperatures in reaction with starch. So any fried and baked starch-rich food is filled with it like bread, French fries, potato chips, and cookies. What is important is the level of exposure.
When FDA toxicologists say that they believe that the average daily intake of arsenic, poses no hazard to the consumer I say that I do not believe in their honesty. The one thing we can do is to apply logic, not belief.
The study showed that the real level of arsenic exposure was more than 100 times the acceptable daily levels for adults. More than 100 times the value not more than 100% in value. I want to write this again. More than 100 times acceptable daily levels. For children and preschoolers, it was about 300 times. Let me write this again. 300 times more. “I want to believe” too, and I like the X-Files but not in FDA lying corrupted toxicologists.
The ratios of excess exposure in this study (how many times more above the safety level the exposure level is) were as follows: 2–12 for DDE, 116–297 for arsenic, 18–67 for dieldrin, 4–5 for chlordane (among children) and 202–1010 for PCDD/Fs. Yes, it is up to 1010 times the allowed values for Dioxin (PCDDs).
Dieldrin was created as a safer alternative to DDT but was banned two years later in 1972. When we look into what food products are the most contaminated they were similar throughout all age groups.
Meat, dairy, potatoes, and cucumber are most contaminated with POPs (DDE, dieldrin, chlordane, and PCDD/Fs). Until 1988 when chlordane was banned, it was used for home termite control and citrus crops and corn.
Also, major POPs contributors were freshwater fish, poultry, mushrooms, cantaloupe, pizza (children only), and spinach (adults only).
When we look at pesticides that are in current use (endosulfan, permethrin, and chlorpyrifos), the main contributors are celery, strawberries, grapes, tomatoes, apples, peaches, pears, peppers, spinach, broccoli, lettuce, and green beans if we don’t count the levels in animal products.
For arsenic exposure, farm-raised salmon, tuna, poultry, and mushrooms were top contributors in all age groups.
For acrylamide exposure chips and all other types of fried potatoes like French fries, crackers, and cereal for all age groups.
For mercury exposure, it was fish and especially tuna.
Dairy products are also the main contributor to chlorpyrifos exposure among children and lead exposure among all age groups. One of the top contributors was dairy and in some cases the main contributor of PCDD/Fs exposure, DDE, and chlordane. PCDD/Fs exposure from dairy was more pronounced in children due to lower dairy (and higher meat) consumption in adults.
For ordinary people, it might come as a surprise that milk in addition to meat was found to be a significant source of pesticides. This is a consequence of the use of chlorpyrifos on grazing fields and feeds given to cattle. This practice is forbidden in organic milk production. Milk is one of the leading sources of POPs.
Fish was a significant source of arsenic, dioxin, dieldrin, chlordane, and DDT intake.
The problem with chemicals like POPs is that they have the ability to accumulate in animal fat. So avoiding animal fat by decreasing consumption or choosing the lowest fat option of meat, dairy, and fish is one strategy to lower exposure.
Another strategy to avoid toxicity that will have a better result will be to consume a plant-based diet. In the case of rice, some strategies can lower the exposure, but in essence, nothing can be done because it is a plant that naturally absorbs more arsenic from the water in which it is growing. The situation is just worsened dramatically in the US because of the use of arsenic pesticides, and now the soil is polluted. On 31 December 2015, the FDA withdrew approval for the last of the arsenic-containing drugs. It should be noted that the EU has never approved drugs containing arsenic for animal consumption. So as of 2011, due to consumer pressure, the use of arsenic as feed to chickens is banned in the US. Why has this practice lasted so long? A better question will be why have we used arsenic at all if we know the history of the substance?
References:
- Vogt, R., Bennett, D., Cassady, D., Frost, J., Ritz, B., & Hertz-Picciotto, I. (2012). Cancer and non-cancer health effects from food contaminant exposures for children and adults in California: a risk assessment. Environmental health : a global access science source, 11, 83. https://doi.org/10.1186/1476-069X-11-83
Related Posts
Do you have any questions about nutrition and health?
I would love to hear from you and answer them in my next post. I appreciate your input and opinion and I look forward to hearing from you soon. I also invite you to follow us on Facebook, Instagram, and Pinterest for more diet, nutrition, and health content. You can leave a comment there and connect with other health enthusiasts, share your tips and experiences, and get support and encouragement from our team and community.
I hope that this post was informative and enjoyable for you and that you are prepared to apply the insights you learned. If you found this post helpful, please share it with your friends and family who might also benefit from it. You never know who might need some guidance and support on their health journey.
– You Might Also Like –
![goveganway logo](https://goveganway.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/04/cropped-goveganway-logo-1.webp)
Learn About Nutrition
Milos Pokimica is a doctor of natural medicine, clinical nutritionist, medical health and nutrition writer, and nutritional science advisor. Author of the book series Go Vegan? Review of Science, he also operates the natural health website GoVeganWay.com
Medical Disclaimer
GoVeganWay.com brings you reviews of the latest nutrition and health-related research. The information provided represents the personal opinion of the author and is not intended nor implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. The information provided is for informational purposes only and is not intended to serve as a substitute for the consultation, diagnosis, and/or medical treatment of a qualified physician or healthcare provider.NEVER DISREGARD PROFESSIONAL MEDICAL ADVICE OR DELAY SEEKING MEDICAL TREATMENT BECAUSE OF SOMETHING YOU HAVE READ ON OR ACCESSED THROUGH GoVeganWay.com
NEVER APPLY ANY LIFESTYLE CHANGES OR ANY CHANGES AT ALL AS A CONSEQUENCE OF SOMETHING YOU HAVE READ IN GoVeganWay.com BEFORE CONSULTING LICENCED MEDICAL PRACTITIONER.
In the event of a medical emergency, call a doctor or 911 immediately. GoVeganWay.com does not recommend or endorse any specific groups, organizations, tests, physicians, products, procedures, opinions, or other information that may be mentioned inside.
Editor Picks –
Milos Pokimica is a doctor of natural medicine, clinical nutritionist, medical health and nutrition writer, and nutritional science advisor. Author of the book series Go Vegan? Review of Science, he also operates the natural health website GoVeganWay.com
Latest Articles –
Plant Based News
-
Vegan Brand Launches Plant-Based Protein Shakes For Kids
on July 12, 2024
-
How To Make This Flavorful Shredded Tofu Sandwich
on July 12, 2024
-
5 Quinoa Recipes (And The Health Benefits Of The Food)
on July 12, 2024
-
How To Make These Seitan Kebabs From Scratch
on July 11, 2024
-
Malibu And Oatly Collaborate On The New Dairy-Free ‘Piña Oatlada’
on July 11, 2024
-
European Turtle Doves Bounce Back After Hunting Ban
on July 11, 2024
-
Dairy Company Reopens Former Cow’s Milk Plant As Plant-Based Facility
on July 10, 2024
Top Health News — ScienceDaily
- Groundbreaking study reveals insights into Alzheimer’s disease mechanisms through novel hydrogel matrixon July 13, 2024
Researchers have unveiled a pioneering study shedding light on the intricate mechanisms underlying Alzheimer’s disease (AD).
- Researchers discover a new neural biomarker for OCDon July 13, 2024
A recent study has identified a specific neural activity pattern as a novel biomarker to accurately predict and monitor the clinical status of individuals with obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) who have undergone deep brain stimulation (DBS), a rapidly emerging therapeutic approach for severe psychiatric disorders.
- Brain inflammation triggers muscle weakness after infectionson July 13, 2024
Research reveals how brain inflammation triggers extreme muscle weakness across several diseases, including viral infection, bacterial infection and Alzheimer’s disease. The study, in fruit flies and mice, also identified ways to block this process, which could have implications for treating or preventing the muscle wasting sometimes associated with inflammatory diseases, including bacterial infections, Alzheimer’s disease and long COVID.
- New ways to study spinal cord malformations in embryoson July 12, 2024
Scientists have successfully created mechanical force sensors directly in the developing brains and spinal cords of chicken embryos, which they hope will improve understanding and prevention of birth malformations such as spina bifida.
- A better way to make RNA drugson July 12, 2024
RNA drugs are the next frontier of medicine, but manufacturing them requires an expensive and labor-intensive process that limits production and produces metric tons of toxic chemical waste. Researchers report a new, enzyme-based RNA synthesis method that can produce strands of RNA with both natural and modified nucleotides without the environmental hazards.
- Why are board games so popular among many people with autism? New research explainson July 12, 2024
Board gaming is a growing industry, and anecdotally popular among people who display autistic traits. Now new research has highlighted the science supporting the anecdote — and the important reasons behind the link.
- Greater attention needs to be paid to malnutrition in the sick and elderly, researchers sayon July 12, 2024
As many as half of all patients admitted to hospital and other healthcare facilities are malnourished. This has serious consequences for the individual in terms of unnecessary suffering, poorer quality of life and mortality. Providing nutrients can alleviate these problems, but not enough attention is paid to this knowledge, according to researchers in a new article.
PubMed, #vegan-diet –
- Nutrient Composition of Four Dietary Patterns in Italy: Results from an Online Survey (the INVITA Study)on July 13, 2024
Though Italy is a native land of Mediterranean diet, its adherence in the Italian population is low, witnessed by the high rates of overweight in its inhabitants. Vegetarian dietary patterns (i.e., lacto-ovo-vegetarian and vegan) are increasing in western countries, and also in Italy, where 9.5% of the population self-declared as vegetarian in 2023. Though the vegetarian diet has been associated with beneficial health effects, speculation on its alleged nutrient inadequacy exists. For this…
- Association between Serum Lipids and Asthma in Adults-A Systematic Reviewon July 13, 2024
(1) Background: Asthma is a syndrome found in both adults and children, characterized by airflow obstruction caused by the inflammation of the airways. In recent years, an increasing number of studies have found that lipid metabolism influences both the development and symptomatology of asthma. Lipid metabolism plays an important role both in the occurrence of exacerbations and in the reduction of lung inflammation. Our study aimed to identify any type of association between patients […]
- Vegan and Vegetarian Soups Are Excellent Sources of Cholinesterase Inhibitorson July 13, 2024
CONCLUSIONS: Vegetarian and vegan soups exhibited comparable or even superior anticholinesterase activity compared to animal-derived soups, highlighting the importance of plant-based ingredients. The study underscores the need for further research to explore the mechanisms underlying the anticholinesterase activity of soups, including the impact of ingredient combinations and processing methods.
- Effects of Plant-Based Diets on Markers of Insulin Sensitivity: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Randomised Controlled Trialson July 13, 2024
The aim of this systematic review and meta-analysis was to examine the effects of plant-based diets on markers of insulin sensitivity in people with overweight/obesity, prediabetes, or type 2 diabetes (T2D). A systematic literature search in MEDLINE, Embase, CINAHL, and CENTRAL was conducted, and randomised controlled trials (RCTs) investigating the effect of plant-based diets (vegan, ovo-vegetarian, lacto-vegetarian, and lacto-ovo-vegetarian) for ≥14 d on markers of insulin sensitivity in…
- Legume Allergens Pea, Chickpea, Lentil, Lupine and Beyondon July 11, 2024
PURPOSE OF THE REVIEW: In the last decade, an increasing trend towards a supposedly healthier vegan diet could be observed. However, recently, more cases of allergic reactions to plants and plant-based products such as meat-substitution products, which are often prepared with legumes, were reported. Here, we provide the current knowledge on legume allergen sources and the respective single allergens. We answer the question of which legumes beside the well-known food allergen sources peanut […]
Random Posts –
Featured Posts –
![](https://goveganway.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/06/newsletter-1-1-1.webp)
Latest from PubMed, #plant-based diet –
- Exploring Vegetarian and Omnivorous Approaches to Cardiovascular Risk and Body Compositionby Tatiana Fontes on July 13, 2024
The role of nutrition in preventing non-communicable diseases has been widely studied in recent years, with indications that non-animal-based diets might improve body composition and therefore bring multiple health benefits. For all of these reasons, the main purpose was to compare body composition and metabolic status between vegetarian and omnivorous individuals and relate these values with cardiovascular risk. The present analysis included 176 participants (61 vegetarians and 115 […]
- Comparative Analysis of Myokines and Bone Metabolism Markers in Prepubertal Vegetarian and Omnivorous Childrenby Jadwiga Ambroszkiewicz on July 13, 2024
The role of bone and muscle as endocrine organs may be important contributing factors for children’s growth and development. Myokines, secreted by muscle cells, play a role in regulating bone metabolism, either directly or indirectly. Conversely, markers of bone metabolism, reflecting the balance between bone formation and bone resorption, can also influence myokine secretion. This study investigated a panel of serum myokines and their relationships with bone metabolism markers in children…
- A Healthful Plant-Based Diet as an Alternative Dietary Approach in the Management of Metabolic Dysfunction-Associated Steatotic Liver Diseaseby Gabriele Castelnuovo on July 13, 2024
Plant-based diets (PBDs) are gaining attention as a sustainable and health-conscious alternative for managing various chronic conditions, including metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD). In the absence of pharmacological treatments, exploring the potential of lifestyle modifications to improve biochemical and pathological outcomes becomes crucial. The adoption of PBDs has demonstrated beneficial effects such as weight control, increased metabolic health and improved…
- Vegan and Vegetarian Soups Are Excellent Sources of Cholinesterase Inhibitorsby Dorota Gajowniczek-Ałasa on July 13, 2024
CONCLUSIONS: Vegetarian and vegan soups exhibited comparable or even superior anticholinesterase activity compared to animal-derived soups, highlighting the importance of plant-based ingredients. The study underscores the need for further research to explore the mechanisms underlying the anticholinesterase activity of soups, including the impact of ingredient combinations and processing methods.
- Exploring Determinants of Health-Related Quality of Life in Emerging Adults with Type 1 Diabetes Mellitus: A Cross-Sectional Analysisby María-Ángeles Núñez-Baila on July 13, 2024
(1) Background: Emerging adulthood, from the age of 18 to 29 years, is a crucial phase for individuals with Type 1 Diabetes Mellitus, as it affects their Health-Related Quality of Life. (2) Methods: This cross-sectional study analyzes the influence of the Mediterranean diet, Diabetes duration, Hemoglobin A1c, and sleep disorders on Health-Relate Quality of Life in Type 1 Diabetes Mellitus. In this study, conducted in Andalusia, Spain, 362 emerging adults with Type 1 Diabetes Mellitus […]
- Improvement of Adherence to the Mediterranean Diet through a Nutrition Education Teaching Pack for Teachers within the “School Fruit Scheme” Program: An Italian Long-Term Trial in School Childrenby Romana Roccaldo on July 13, 2024
A previous short time span study related to the effectiveness of a teaching pack (TP) in improving the adherence to the Mediterranean Diet (MD) showed positive results. The present study was aimed at investigating and confirming those results, with a follow up data collection, in the same sample, a year after the baseline intervention. Pre- and post-intervention assessments were conducted. Weight and height were measured. Eating patterns/lifestyle were assessed by the KIDMED test and…