Avoiding Pesticides - They Aren't Just In Your Food Anymore

Pesticides are damaging. Agricultural pesticides have been linked to autism, ADHD, birth defects and developmental problems. Innate Response takes great pride in our products being free of herbicides and pesticides, and it is the culture of our company to buy organic and local whenever possible in order to avoid unnecessary exposure to these harmful chemicals.

"The researchers sampled air in 25 households, finding at least five pesticides in 60 percent of the dwellings. Nine other pesticides were identified in less than one-third of the homes. All the women were in the third trimester of pregnancy, when the fetal brain undergoes a growth spurt. Numerous studies have reported birth defects and developmental problems when fetuses and infants are exposed to pesticides, especially exposures that adversely affect mental and motor development during infancy and childhood. This new report is in the summer issue of the Texas Public Health Journal sent to members this week.

The study found 92 percent of air samples contained o-phenylphenol, which is used as a fungicide, germicide and household disinfectant, while 80 percent of samples contained chlorpyrifos, used in agriculture and to kill mosquitoes and other insects. Chlorpyrifos has been well-documented as posing risks to babies exposed in the womb to brain abnormalities after birth. Researchers asked the women questions about pesticide use and exposure, proximity to agricultural fields, the frequency of spraying operations, and the detection of pesticide odors drifting from fields. Air samples were measured for multiple pesticides used in agriculture, given the close proximity of the fields to participant homes. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) last week announced new mitigation measures to reduce bystander exposure to chlorpyrifos drift from agricultural fields, including the use of buffer zones for residential areas, schools, hospitals etc."

We recommend that pregnant women eat organic whenever possible and avoid products that contain ingredients that were grown with pesticides and herbicides. And try some natural pest and bug remedies. Peppermint oil makes a great pest deterrent. Sprinkle a few drops in any spots in the house where you spot ants. And try this natural and chemical-free bug spray!

Labels: bugs, children, health, herbicides, pesticides, pregnancy, pregnant