BIOL 2320 Week 6 Discussion

Food safety is a topic of utmost importance as we navigate through life. It is crucial to educate ourselves, as well as our children and family members, about the significance of being aware of what we consume. After all, food is our primary source of energy, providing us with the necessary nutrients to grow and actively engage with the world. Certain foods can help us build muscle, boost our immune system, and contribute to overall well-being. We often hear the saying, “you are what you eat,” and there is truth to it. Allow me to explain further. For decades, pesticides and fungicides have been utilized in the treatment of crops. While these chemicals have been deemed acceptable by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), there are studies suggesting potential harm to individuals who consume them. One such example is Chlorpyrifos, the most widely used pesticide in America (Hu, 2018). It is employed on crops like broccoli, apples, corn, and various vegetables. There have been instances where produce found in our homes has tested positive for Chlorpyrifos. In a national study conducted between 2001 and 2002, it was discovered that Chlorpyrifos was present in 91% of homes across the United States (Tulve et al., 2014). Considering this was two decades ago, one can only imagine the cumulative exposure to toxins over such a prolonged period. The study found traces of pesticides in the urine of both children and adults. Addressing this issue at its source proves to be highly challenging. The EPA regulates the allowable levels of this pesticide and considers it safe for consumption. However, there are methods to minimize exposure to these chemicals when it comes to fruits and vegetables. Researchers at the Connecticut Agricultural Experiment Station found that rinsing produce under cold water reduced pesticide residues for 9 out of 12 pesticides tested (BENZAKEN, 2020). Another option is to grow our own produce, allowing us to have control over the cultivation process. BIOL 2320 Week 6 Discussion

References:

Hu, E. (2018, August 8). The most widely used pesticide, chlorpyrifos, is really bad for kids. CNN Health.

 https://www.cnn.com/2018/08/08/health/chlorpyrifos-pesticide-kids/index.html.

Tulve, N. S., Clifton, M. S., Davis, M. D., Calafat, A. M., & Moran, R. (2014, January 14). Urinary Pyrethroid and Chlorpyrifos Metabolite Concentrations in Northern California Families and Their Relationship to Indoor Residential Insecticide Levels, Part of the Study of Use of Products and Exposure Related Behavior. ACS Publications. 

https://pubs.acs.org/doi/abs/10.1021/es403661a.

BENZAKEN, H. I. L. L. A. (2020, November 24). 5 Super Simple Ways to Get Pesticides Off Your Produce. Goodnet. 

https://www.goodnet.org/articles/5-super-simple-ways-to-get-pesticides-off-your-produce.