Could Pesticides Cause ADHD?

A new study published in the journal Pediatrics indicates a possible connection between cases of attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and increased exposure to common pesticides like the ones used on fruits and veggies.

 

 

Although additional research is required to definitively prove the link, researchers from the University of Montreal and Harvard University have convincing evidence that children with ADHD exhibit higher levels of compounds that are formed by broken down pesticides in their urine. Meaning that these kids were exposed to plenty of pesticides, either by breathing them, drinking them in tap water or, for families that don’t live near farms, by ingesting them on or in the fruits and veggies they eat.

 

 

The study was based on data taken from a U.S. government healthy survey of 1,000+ children aged 8 to 15 conducted in 2000-2004, according to a story from the Associated Press.

 

 

So what does this mean for you and your family? This isn’t the first study that indicates health and development issues associated with pesticide exposure. You may want to consider switching to organic for some items on your shopping list (though not necessarily everything, which is good news for your wallet). Check out our list of the most and least pesticide-laden produce.

 

 

We’d love to know: Will this latest piece of news inspire you to eat more organic? Tell us in the comment field below!