Pesticides, Organic Diets, and Children’s Health: Lu et al. Respond
2006
Pesticides, Organic Diets, and Children’s Health
publication
Author Information
Author(s): Lu Chensheng, Fenske Richard A., Barr Dana B.
Primary Institution: Rollins School of Public Health, Emory University
Hypothesis
Reducing children’s dietary exposure to organophosphate pesticides may reduce the risk of associated health effects.
Conclusion
The risk of health effects from dietary organophosphate pesticide exposure in children is not zero and requires further study.
Supporting Evidence
- Some pesticides are classified as carcinogens and carry some risk.
- Recent studies have shown an association between adverse neurologic and growth outcomes in children exposed to organophosphate pesticides in utero.
- The U.S. EPA estimated that the cancer risk from dietary exposure to chlorothalonil is 1.2 × 10−6.
Takeaway
Eating less food with certain pesticides might help keep kids healthier, but we need more studies to be sure.
Limitations
No epidemiologic studies of children’s dietary organophosphate pesticide exposures and adverse health effects have been conducted.
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