Is Your Child Safe? ADHD and Pesticides Link

Could your child be at greater risk for developing ADHD simply by eating fruits and vegetables?  According to a new study published in the Pediatrics journal, pesticides found on fresh produce may be a key factor in the increasing rates of ADHD among children.

During this study, the urine samples of 1,139 children were taken and analyzed.  Scientists were looking for six different pesticide compounds related to the commonly used pesticide known as organophosphates.  After the samples were analyzed, parents were interviewed regarding their children’s ability to focus in school and any history they may have with ADHD.

When pesticides are ingested they break down in to compounds that can be seen in the urine.  Pesticide compounds were found in 94 percent of the children who completed this study.  Of these children, 150 have been diagnosed with severe ADHD.  The children with high levels of the pesticide compounds had a 20 percent rate of ADHD, while the children with low levels only had a 10 percent rate.

In the United States alone, 4.5 million children between the ages of 5 and 17 have been diagnosed with ADHD.  The majority of US farmers uses pesticides rather than farm organically. Pesticides are found at high rates in foods such as blueberries, celery, strawberries and frozen fruits.

An unpublished 1998 study revealed that children who switched to organic produce had almost undetectable levels of pesticides in their urine.  Although this study does not confirm a direct cause and effect relationship, this is at least a wake up call to the government, physicians, farmers and parents alike.

Whenever able, you should serve your children organic fruits and vegetables, including frozen as well as fresh.  If you have no other choice, then thoroughly wash your child’s produce before giving it to him or her.  Safe produce cleansers can be purchased at many local stores and should be used on every non-organic fruit and vegetable you serve to your family.