Should I be concerned about pesticides in my food?

Pesticides are used to protect food from pests, such as insects, rodents, weeds, mold, and bacteria. Pesticides used on food include:

• insecticides to control insects
• rodenticides to control rodents
• herbicides to control weeds
• fungicides to control mold and fungus
• antimicrobials to control bacteria

Studies show that pesticides can cause health problems, such as birth defects, nerve damage, cancer, and other effects that might occur over a long period of time. But these effects depend on how toxic the pesticide is and how much of it is consumed. Some pesticides also cause more health risks in children. Infants and children may be very sensitive to the health risks of pesticides in foods for these reasons:

• Their internal organs are still growing. Pesticides may block food nutrients from being absorbed that are needed for normal healthy growth.
• In relation to their body weight, infants and children eat and drink more than adults. This may increase their exposure to pesticides in food and water.
• Playing on the floor, on outside lawns, or putting objects in their mouths may increase a child's exposure to pesticides.
• EPA's Food Quality Protection Act of 1996 sets a standard for pesticide use on food. But you can still reduce the amount of pesticides you and your family consume by taking these steps:
• Wash and scrub all fresh fruits and vegetables under running water. This will help remove bacteria and traces of chemicals from the surfaces of fruits and vegetables.
• Peel fruits and vegetables when you can to reduce dirt, bacteria, and pesticides. Take off and throw out the outer leaves of leafy vegetables. Trim fat from meat and skin from poultry and fish, because some pesticides collect in fat.
• Eat a variety of foods. This will give you a better mix of nutrients and reduce your chance of exposure to a single pesticide.

What about using pesticides to control pests in my home?

Pesticides used in and around the home can be dangerous if not used as the labels indicate. As with other household products, we do not know what pesticide levels cause health problems. Take these steps to help protect yourself against exposure to pesticides in your home:

Read the label on the pesticide container and follow the directions on the label. Use only the pesticides approved for use by the general public. And then use them only in recommended amounts. Using more does not give you more protection against pests. This can be harmful to you, your family, pets, and plants.

• Mix pesticides outdoors or in an area with good air flow. Only mix the amount that you will need right away.
• Use other methods of pest control when you can. For example, wash your pets often. Store firewood away from the home to reduce termites.
• Choose a good pest control company. Have the company inspect your home and give you a pest control program in writing before you sign a contract. The control program should list the names of pests and chemicals they will use.
• Limit your exposure to moth repellents. The chemical in moth repellants causes cancer in animals, but we are not sure how it affects people. Store moth repellants and items you want to protect from moths in areas that are ventilated separately from your home. This could be your attic or a detached garage.

How can I help protect my children from pesticides?

Pesticides can pose a danger to children if not stored out of their reach. Pesticides in the home poison thousands of children each year. Examples of some common pesticides include insect sprays and kitchen and bath cleaners. The pesticide law requires that most pesticides used in the home have warnings on the labels and be in child-resistant packaging. But you must also take steps to help keep your children safe:

• Always store pesticides away from children's reach in a locked cabinet. Install childproof safety latches.
• Read the label before using. Follow the directions.
• Before using pesticides indoors or outdoors, remove children, their toys, and pets from the area. Keep them away until the pesticide has dried or as long as the label says.
• Never put pesticides in other bottles that children may think are food or drink.
• Never place rodent or insect traps where small children can get them.
• Close containers tightly after use.
• Tell caregivers and other family members about doing these same things.
• Teach children to stay away from pesticides.
• Keep the National Poison Control Center phone number—1-800-222-1112—near or on every telephone.
• Call 911 or your local emergency service in case of emergency. Talk with your doctor or nurse about what you should do in case of accidental poisoning.