Results: The Dirty Dozen

The analysis, based on produce samples tested by the U.S. Department of Agriculture, found that strawberries and spinach contained the highest amounts of pesticide residues. One sample of strawberries, for example, tested positive for 20 different pesticides, and spinach contained nearly twice the pesticide residue by weight than any other fruit or vegetable. The two types of produce topped the EWG ranking of the 12 fruits and vegetables with the highest concentrations of pesticides (the so-called "Dirty Dozen"). After strawberries and spinach come nectarines, apples, grapes, peaches, cherries, pears, tomatoes, celery, potatoes and sweet bell peppers. More than 98% of peaches, cherries and apples contained at least one pesticide. Is this the first time you are reading about the dirty dozen?

This year's list nearly mirrors the one from last year, suggesting that little has changed in how these crops are grown. The analysis applied only to produce that wasn't grown organically. Since federal laws in 1996 mandated that the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) study and regulate pesticide use for its potential to harm human health, many toxic chemicals have been removed from crop growing. But studies continue to find potential effects of exposure to the pesticides still in use. A recent study, for instance, indicated a possible link between exposure to pesticides in produce and lower fertility. Do you think these pesticides are potentially harmful to your health? (referring: to the list in question #1)

More studies are needed to solidify the relationship between current pesticide exposures from produce and long-term health effects. In the meantime, researchers say that organic produce generally contains fewer pesticide residues, and people concerned about their exposure can also focus on fruits and vegetables that tend to contain fewer pesticides. Here is the EWG's list of the fruits and vegetables lowest in pesticide residue (the so-called Clean 15). If you are familiar with the clean 15, what fruits and vegetables do you prefer to eat?

Dirty Dozen List Reminder: strawberries, spinach, nectarines, apples, grapes, peaches, cherries, pears, tomatoes, celery, potatoes, sweet bell peppers; and this includes one pesticide found in peaches, cherries and apples. After reading this survey, will you continue to eat these fruits and vegetables that are considered to be the dirty dozen for 2018?