Study Links High-Residue Produce to Increased Pesticide Levels in the Body

Pesticides help protect crops, but exposure to certain levels can also pose health risks to humans. Research indicates that pesticide exposure may disrupt hormones, affect fertility, decrease ovarian function and sperm quality, and even increase the risk of breast cancer and type 2 diabetes, depending on the pesticide and level of exposure. Because of this, reducing exposure is important, and a recent analysis by the Environmental Working Group (EWG) suggests that a major factor is what’s on your plate.

“Eating fruits and vegetables are an essential part of a nutritious diet, but they can also increase the exposure to pesticides,” says Varun Subramaniam, an EWG science analyst and study co-author.

The peer-reviewed study found that people who eat more fruits and vegetables known to carry higher pesticide residues — such as strawberries, spinach, nectarines, and grapes — had much higher pesticide levels in their urine than those who mostly ate produce with lower residue levels, like mango, asparagus, cauliflower, and kiwi, he explains.