Saturday, November 21, 2009

Pesticides and Your Health

Pesticides are associated with a number of serious health issues. Two resources to find out more: Pesticide Action Network North America (PANNA) and study published in Environmental Health Perspectives.

One of the worst pesticides: Atrazine
Used on: Corn, sugarcane, and grain crops.
What it is: Banned in France, Germany, Switzerland, Denmark, Norway.. it is the second most widely used pesticide in the United States. Exposure can cause cardiovascular damage, muscle spasm, adrenal gland damage, and eye or skin irritation. It is a possible endocrine disruptor and carcinogen.

Suggestion: try to avoid conventionally grown foods listed above that were likely to have had this pesticide used. Or, if you're feeling really energetic, google PANNA and find out how you can become involved in social action.