{"id":195,"date":"2020-09-14T13:28:48","date_gmt":"2020-09-14T13:28:48","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/cleangreentoxicantfree.com\/?p=195"},"modified":"2024-01-07T18:26:32","modified_gmt":"2024-01-07T18:26:32","slug":"pesticides-on-produce-and-how-to-remove","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/cleangreentoxicantfree.com\/index.php\/2020\/09\/14\/pesticides-on-produce-and-how-to-remove\/","title":{"rendered":"Pesticides on Produce \ud83c\udf4e and How To Reduce Exposure"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

#WhyShouldWeWorry?<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Do we really need to wash produce? Yes<\/a>. EWG found that close to 70 percent of conventional (not organic) fruits and vegetables had some level of pesticide residue. Even organic produce doesn\u2019t mean no pesticides, it means no chemical pesticides. That\u2019s why I wash everything. This<\/a> talks about how pesticides are inside the produce too. Avoid eating close to the core and buy organic when you can (especially for things rated badly and\/or that you eat often).<\/p>\n\n\n\n

This post may contain Amazon Associates affiliate links, that I may earn small amounts from. See the bottom of this page for more details.<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

From Consumer Reports: \u201cPesticides can damage the brain and nervous system. And even low levels have been linked to cancer, reproductive issues, and other health problems. Plenty of research bears this out. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

A 2019 study in JAMA Internal Medicine<\/a> found that people with the highest levels of exposure to pyrethroid pesticides were three times as likely to die from cardiovascular disease during the 14-year study than those with less exposure. In a 2010 study in the journal Pediatrics<\/a>, children with a greater exposure to organophosphate pesticides were more likely to be diagnosed with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, known as ADHD. And a 2016 analysis in Scientific Reports<\/a> found a link between pesticides and an increased risk of Alzheimer\u2019s disease. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Other evidence suggests that pesticides disrupt the endocrine system, which is made up of hormones, the glands that produce them, and the receptors in the body that respond to them. Experts think this may contribute to some cancers and other health problems. And because this system is delicate, even small amounts of endocrine disruptors could have outsized effects, says Michael Hansen, PhD, CR\u2019s senior scientist. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Yet the overall health impact of pesticides may be even greater because there are still many unanswered questions about the effects of long-term, low-dose exposure.\u201d Here\u2019s even more info based on the Consumer Reports investigation<\/a>. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Note: This post is about pesticides on produce, not lead, which is another concern but does not correlate with pesticides. Organic food does not necessarily have less heavy metals like lead.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Which Vegetables and Fruits Have the Most Pesticides?<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

It\u2019s always helpful to look at the EWG Clean 15\/dirty dozen<\/a> lists (or app), updated yearly. They are so helpful for deciding what to prioritize to buy organic. EWG says something about how they factor in \u201cnormal washing and peeling.\u201d EWG\u2019s research is based on its own private analysis of the U.S. Department of Agriculture\u2019s pesticide testing.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Here is some new research published in October 2020 Consumer Reports<\/a>. This list a factors in toxicity of the pesticides, not just amount of residue as the dirty dozen lists do. The color coded rating scale is in terms of how many servings can be eaten (But the #precautionaryprinciple<\/strong> would encourage minimizing as much as possible). The first column is US grown; second is imports. Some surprises were: Organic grapes, peaches, broccoli, kale, snap peas, spinach (US), cherries (frozen imported), mangos, and potatoes still have more pesticides than you\u2019d think. For broccoli, it appears that organic has even more than non organic!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n


<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n
\"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n
\"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n
\"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n
\"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

First of all, what not to do<\/strong>: Produce Washes don\u2019t work<\/a>. It is also not advisable to wash produce with soap because it can leave a residue<\/a> that can make you feel sick. This method has been shown to remove traces of Covid, so you really want to use a cleanser, I\u2019d recommend Branch Basics (see my cleaning post<\/a> for more info.). *Full disclosure is this Branch Basics link gets you $10, and also grants me $10 off my future purchases. I have no special relationship or affiliation with this company; this is a standard referral link<\/a> available to all customers. Very few of my blogs have this kind of link, which are clearly marked. I hope this kind of small benefit helps me to just break even on the cost I pay for the site.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

How to Remove Pesticides From the Outside of Produce<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

What about just rinsing? According to Dr. Annie (see my cleaning post<\/a>), For bacteria, rinsing is pretty good. I\u2019m super skeptical, but EWG says that rinsing produce under tap water can reduce pesticide levels before consumption. But research conducted by researchers at the University of Massachusetts shows that soaking produce in a baking soda and water solution does an even better job at removing pesticides. Most of the rest of the links are about using baking soda or vinegar. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Soak for 15 minutes with either one. Do NOT mix vinegar and baking soda.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Finally found a specific ratio<\/a> for baking soda. 1 tablespoon baking soda mixed with 1.5 L, or 6.3 cups of water. I doubt it has to be super specific though.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

This<\/a> says 1 ounce of baking soda in 100 ounces water.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

More<\/a> baking soda directions (update: this link appears to be broken). <\/p>\n\n\n\n

This<\/a> one gives more detailed methods of using baking soda. For vinegar it says \u201cfull strength.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

This<\/a> one compares various methods including vinegar (says to spray) and baking soda. It recommended Vinegar: The Food Research review found that washing tomatoes in a vinegar solution significantly reduced the residues of six different pesticides, some by as much as 94 percent. And in 2007, a Cook’s Illustrated test found that vinegar reduced 98 percent of the bacteria on apples and pears. Cheap, nontoxic \u2014 what’s not to like? Try filling a spray bottle (#moneysavingtip<\/strong> and an eco option is to re-use a vinegar bottle -preferably glass- and add a spray top) with one part vinegar to three parts water (or straight, like the other link said) and keep it next to the sink. (Update: this link appears to be broken).<\/p>\n\n\n\n

This<\/a> says things like blanching can help.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

For freshness, it\u2019s advised to wash just before cooking or eating (or don\u2019t wash and put back in fridge).<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Do you need baking soda that is labeled natural or organic? Probably not. <\/a> But check out this comparison<\/a>. Amazon affiliates link to what I use: https:\/\/amzn.to\/35b0D52<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Where to Buy Produce<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

See if there are any local organic growers near you, and ask questions about their growing practices and possibly lead in the soil. If you don\u2019t have enough local options, there are several companies that you can get organic Produce delivered through the mail! Here is the one I use (in addition to a local farm): Misfits. *Full disclosure: this code gets you 25% off your first subscription box, and I receive 25% off my next subscription box. Use code COOKWME-NB1QGK<\/a>. I have no special relationship or affiliation with this company; this is a standard r<\/a>eferral<\/a> program available to all customers. So far Misfits is working great for me and you can customize what comes in the boxes as well as add additional items.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

<\/p>\n\n\n\n

<\/p>\n\n\n\n

To check out new and additional posts, please visit and \u201clike\u201d my Facebook page<\/a>. Thanks!<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

***Thank you for visiting Clean Green Toxicant Free! I started this site simply because I want to help people and share information. I dig deep and seek the most truly non-toxic products, without bias. I am not paid to write anything and I don\u2019t sell anything. In 2022 I became an Amazon Associate, which does NOT bias my recommendations. I may earn small dividends from purchases made after clicking my clearly labeled links (even if you don\u2019t buy those specific items), which covers the costs I pay to maintain this site, at no cost to you. More info is on the About This Website <\/a>page.***<\/p>\n\n\n\n

<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

#WhyShouldWeWorry? Do we really need to wash produce? Yes. EWG found that close to 70 percent of conventional (not organic) fruits and vegetables had some level of pesticide residue. Even organic produce doesn\u2019t mean no pesticides, it means no chemical pesticides. That\u2019s why I wash everything. This talks about how pesticides are inside the produce READ MORE<\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":2416,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"spay_email":""},"categories":[1],"tags":[21,22],"jetpack_featured_media_url":"https:\/\/cleangreentoxicantfree.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/09\/img_0031.jpg","jetpack-related-posts":[{"id":3713,"url":"https:\/\/cleangreentoxicantfree.com\/index.php\/2024\/03\/12\/organic-mold-free-coffee-my-top-3-brands\/","url_meta":{"origin":195,"position":0},"title":"Organic, Mold-Free Coffee: My Top 3 Brands \u2615\ufe0f","date":"March 12, 2024","format":false,"excerpt":"Updated August 2025 I personally don\u2019t drink coffee but my husband loves it, so I went in search of brands that are organic and mold free. These are my top 3 choices, in no particular order. The prices for all three can be as low as around $20 per bag\u2026","rel":"","context":"In \"coffee\"","img":{"alt_text":"","src":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/cleangreentoxicantfree.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/03\/copy-of-copy-of-copy-of-copy-of-light-blue-and-pastel-illustrations-baby-shower-invitation-1.png?resize=350%2C200&ssl=1","width":350,"height":200},"classes":[]},{"id":2665,"url":"https:\/\/cleangreentoxicantfree.com\/index.php\/2023\/03\/04\/lead-in-soil-and-best-potting-soil-options\/","url_meta":{"origin":195,"position":1},"title":"Lead in Soil and Best Potting Soil Options \ud83e\udeb4","date":"March 4, 2023","format":false,"excerpt":"What is the concern with heavy metals in soil? If you\u2019re looking to start a garden, this will be valuable information! I read from one woman who has tested soil that potting soil is lower in heavy metals than backyard soil on average. Based on her testing, potting soil averages\u2026","rel":"","context":"In \"lead\"","img":{"alt_text":"","src":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/cleangreentoxicantfree.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/aeaab5ac-8cc1-40d1-adae-ef97e263465c.png?resize=350%2C200&ssl=1","width":350,"height":200},"classes":[]},{"id":2100,"url":"https:\/\/cleangreentoxicantfree.com\/index.php\/2022\/07\/31\/the-importance-of-avoiding-pesticides-and-utilizing-native-plants-in-your-yard\/","url_meta":{"origin":195,"position":2},"title":"\ud83d\udc1d Avoiding Pesticides and Utilizing Native Plants in Your Yard \ud83e\udd8b","date":"July 31, 2022","format":false,"excerpt":"Importance: Pesticides and herbicides\/weed killers are known to cause cancer and other human health effects. They also kill critically important species including bees and butterflies. Incorporating native plants into your yard can support butterflies and bees, and also eliminate the need for toxic pesticides and fertilizers. Native plants are those\u2026","rel":"","context":"In \"glyphosate\"","img":{"alt_text":"","src":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/cleangreentoxicantfree.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/08\/7efaf8c9-9b2b-4f46-8d41-2d797068cdf6.png?resize=350%2C200&ssl=1","width":350,"height":200},"classes":[]},{"id":213,"url":"https:\/\/cleangreentoxicantfree.com\/index.php\/2020\/09\/15\/earth-friendly-less-toxic-toilet-paper-and-paper-towel-options\/","url_meta":{"origin":195,"position":3},"title":"Toilet Paper \ud83e\uddfb and Paper Towels: Earth Friendly, Less Toxic Options","date":"September 15, 2020","format":false,"excerpt":"Updated April 2024 #whyshouldweworry? Most people probably don\u2019t think too much about toilet paper ... until there\u2019s a shortage \ud83d\ude05 like there was during Covid. This article considers material, toxicity and bleaching methods of toilet paper \ud83e\uddfb. I am not affiliated with any toilet paper brands. This post may contain\u2026","rel":"","context":"In \"bpa\"","img":{"alt_text":"","src":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/cleangreentoxicantfree.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/09\/CCD43F74-D55C-407D-AE4F-CA1C219ED146.jpeg?resize=350%2C200&ssl=1","width":350,"height":200},"classes":[]},{"id":74,"url":"https:\/\/cleangreentoxicantfree.com\/index.php\/2020\/09\/02\/non-toxic-diaper-guide\/","url_meta":{"origin":195,"position":4},"title":"Non-Toxic Diaper \ud83d\udc76 Guide Including a Crucial Consideration that Other Guides Miss","date":"September 2, 2020","format":false,"excerpt":"Updated September 2025 INTRODUCTION: I\u2019m honestly shocked at most of the \u201cnon-toxic\u201d diaper recommendations out there. I think there is a lot of paid sponsorship behind many of them, which might explain why diapers that aren\u2019t actually so great are often recommended. There also might be lack of understanding of\u2026","rel":"","context":"In "Babies and Kids"","img":{"alt_text":"","src":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/cleangreentoxicantfree.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/10\/ea6209c4-0920-42ab-8898-571038432b06.jpg?resize=350%2C200&ssl=1","width":350,"height":200},"classes":[]},{"id":346,"url":"https:\/\/cleangreentoxicantfree.com\/index.php\/2020\/10\/16\/master-list-of-truly-non-toxic-products-i-use\/","url_meta":{"origin":195,"position":5},"title":"\u201cMaster List\u201d of Truly Non-Toxic Products I Use","date":"October 16, 2020","format":false,"excerpt":"Updated September 2025 Introduction: - I do not sell any MLM type of products. - Not every product from any given brand is the same level of toxicity, so be sure to check ingredients in you\u2019re interested in other products than the specific ones listed. - I avoid all citric\u2026","rel":"","context":"In \"beauty\"","img":{"alt_text":"","src":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/cleangreentoxicantfree.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/08\/img_8481.jpg?resize=350%2C200&ssl=1","width":350,"height":200},"classes":[]}],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/cleangreentoxicantfree.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/195"}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/cleangreentoxicantfree.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/cleangreentoxicantfree.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/cleangreentoxicantfree.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/cleangreentoxicantfree.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=195"}],"version-history":[{"count":25,"href":"https:\/\/cleangreentoxicantfree.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/195\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":3150,"href":"https:\/\/cleangreentoxicantfree.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/195\/revisions\/3150"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/cleangreentoxicantfree.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/2416"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/cleangreentoxicantfree.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=195"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/cleangreentoxicantfree.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=195"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/cleangreentoxicantfree.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=195"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}