Pesticides and Allergies
The term ‘pesticides’ describes a wide range of chemicals that are used to kill pests in the agricultural production of many fruits and vegetables that we consume. The link between pesticides and allergies is becoming more prevalent.
Health problems can occur in people who are exposed to pesticides, depending on how much, how long or how often a person is exposed.
Absorption through the skin (dermal) is the most common way that humans can be exposed to pesticides. However, they can also be breathed in (inhaled) or consumed (ingested).
The link between pesticides and allergies
With repeated exposure, people with sensitivities can develop allergies to certain pesticides. People with reactions to pesticides and allergies usually exhibit skin or respiratory symptoms, such as HERE.
Skin Symptoms
- Swelling
- Redness
- Itching
- Pain
- Blistering
Respiratory Symptoms
- Wheezing
- Difficulty breathing
- Chest tightness
- Coughing
- Shortness of breath
- Severe asthma attack
The Dirty Dozen and Clean 15
The Environmental Working Group (EWG) is a non-profit, non-partisan, US-based organisation that tests large samples of non-organic produce for the presence of pesticides.
Each year, the group releases a list of the ‘Dirty Dozen’ (items containing the most number of pesticides) and the ‘Clean 15’ (items containing the least pesticides). And this list is designed to help people prioritise the produce that they should buy organically.
Though the research examines produce from the US, it is still relevant to Australia and New Zealand because of our similar farming practices. Samples of Australian and New Zealand fruit and vegetables have also produced comparable results.
The EWG’s Dirty Dozen list for 2017
- Strawberries
- Spinach
- Nectarines
- Apples
- Peaches
- Pears
- Cherries
- Grapes
- Celery
- Tomatoes
- Sweet Bell Peppers
- Potatoes
The EWG’s Clean 15 list for 2017
- Sweet corn
- Avocados
- Pineapples
- Cabbage
- Onions
- Frozen Sweet Peas
- Papayas
- Asparagus
- Mangos
- Eggplant
- Honeydew
- Kiwi
- Cantaloupe
- Cauliflower
- Grapefruit
Natural Allergy Treatment
At HWA, our Naturopaths perform a natural allergy treatment called Positive Association Technique (PAT), and we have clinics located around Australia and New Zealand. So, if you’re experiencing allergy symptoms to pesticides or other food or environmental substances:
- Call us on 1300 853 023 / 09 479 5997 (NZ) to chat to our friendly staff
- Send our practitioners a question HERE
- Request a Free PAT Information E-PACK HERE
Please note this blog contains general information only. Always consult your health care professional before making any changes to your diet or lifestyle.
