The Need for Limiting Our Exposure to Pesticide Residues

Have you ever noticed that in our daily life we encounter a lot of the so-called "balancing of factors?" These trade-offs are things that keep us on our toes. If asked to give one example, I'd readily name pesticides. Pesticide sprays, for instance, will rid our homes of pests. But they can present health risks long after we have used them. Or you want to heed the advice of health experts to include lots of vegetables and fruits in your regular food intake. Of course, you would want none of the pesticide residues to go with your diet.

It is a fact that frequent exposure to pesticides can be detrimental to one's health. Many recorded cases of such conditions as cancer, hormonal disproportions, and disruptions in the immune system were linked to continued exposure to high levels of pesticides. In exposed children, certain developmental problems have been noted. What's good to note is that the levels to which most of us are exposed are much lower than those to which the named disorders have been associated. Apart from this, there are certain ways by which we can limit our exposure to the harmful effects of pesticides, or, more specifically, limit the amounts of pesticide residues in the food we eat, the water we drink (or use in other ways), and the air we breathe.

Studies show that eating vegetables and fruits regularly can - because of the fiber found in them - dramatically lower risks of certain diseases, such as diabetes, colon cancer, and heart disease. But because of the modern farming methods and technology, it is estimated that about half of all produce bear pesticide residues; some are even found to contain residues from multiple pesticides. Inspite of health experts' findings that the pesticide residues found in most of the produce that we consume are well below the maximum limit set by health authorities, it wouldn't hurt if we take steps to further reduce our exposure to these pesticide residues. A good idea would be to eat seasonal, domestically-grown produce. These typically contain smaller amounts of pesticide residues than out-of-season, imported ones. It would also help a great deal if we eat a wide variety of foods, since this will help limit our exposure to any one of the various kinds of pesticides.

Vegetables and fruits are not the only foods that contain pesticide residues. The different meat products carry them, too. Some types of pesticides are used during the manufacture of livestock feed, and, as might be expected, the pesticide residues carried by these products are ingested by the livestock animals. Some of the fish that we eat, on the other hand, take in pesticide residues from the waters they are present in, which are contaminated by agricultural or industrial runoff. Residues from pesticides normally collect in fat cells; this is also one of the reasons why we have to choose only low-fat fish or meat products.

Keeping our lawn pest-free with the use of pesticides can also pose risks, especially if these are used improperly. It is advised that while spraying pesticides on the grass-covered grounds surrounding your home, protective clothings are worn. The instructions indicated on the label of the pesticide product should be strictly followed. So as not to spread the pesticide far and wide, avoid spraying it during excessively windy days. Most importantly, keep children and pets away from the area on which pesticide was sprayed until the chemical has fully dried or settled. [Read the Original Article]