Pesticides and Their Effects on Our Health
Pesticides, are chemical substances used in agriculture to control pests and diseases. However, the residues left by these substances in food products and their potential negative effects on human health have become increasingly debated. As Minister of Agriculture and Forestry İbrahim Yumaklı stated, “We do not see it as well-intentioned to bring up issues that would cause our citizens to panic, as if there were too many pesticides in every food we eat.” However, the effects of this situation on public health should not be ignored.
Pesticide Residues and Health Problems
Public health expert Dr. Sümeyye Nur Budak provides important information about the effects of pesticide residues on humans. In particular, exposure to high doses of pesticides It is stated that it can have serious consequences on our health. Here are some health problems that these residues can cause:
- Endocrine Disorders: Pesticides can lead to hormone imbalances and reproductive abnormalities.
- Developmental Issues: Exposure, especially during childhood, can have adverse developmental effects on the nervous system.
- Chronic Disorders: Long-term pesticide exposure is associated with asthma and other respiratory disorders.
- Cancer Risk: Chronic exposure can increase the risk of various types of cancer; especially diseases such as lymphoma, leukemia, breast cancer, bladder cancer and prostate cancer are in this risk group.
- DNA Damage: Pesticides can cause abnormalities in cell division and damage to DNA structure, increasing the risk of inherited diseases.
List of the Dirty Twelve
The Environmental Working Group (EWG) lists the 12 fruits and vegetables most concentrated in pesticide residue each year. The Dirty Twelve The products included in this list determined for 2024 are as follows:
- Strawberry
- Spinach
- Cabbage
- Grape
- Peach
- Poverty
- Nectari
- Apple
- Hot pepper
- Kiraz
- Blueberries
- Green beans
It is emphasized that caution should be exercised when consuming these products.
Ways to Protect Yourself from Pesticide Residues
It is possible to take various measures to reduce pesticide residues. Dr. Budak offers suggestions on this subject:
- Washing with Running Water: Wash vegetables and fruits thoroughly under running water.
- Peeling: Peeling the skins before consuming helps reduce residue.
- Discarding Outer Leaves: Discard the outer leaves of leafy vegetables and separate and wash the remaining leaves.
- Soaking in Salt or Vinegar Water: Soaking vegetables in salt or vinegar water before consumption can reduce residue.
- Soaking with Carbonated Water: Soak the vegetables in carbonated water prepared by adding 1 teaspoons of baking soda to 6 liter of water for about 15 minutes and then rinse.
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The residues left by pesticides in food products can have serious negative effects on human health. Therefore, it is very important to be aware of how the vegetables and fruits we consume are prepared and how they will be consumed. Paying attention to these recommendations for a healthy life is one of the important steps to be taken to reduce pesticide exposure.
