Why are pesticides a special concern for baby food?
According to the National Academy of Sciences report, “pesticides in the diets of infants and children”, current government pesticide standards are inadequate to protect our children’s health. That’s especially disturbing when you realize that, pound for pound, babies consume two to four times more fruits and vegetables than adults, and therefore are exposed to higher proportion of possible contaminants. In addition, their immune systems are not fully developed and can be damaged by far lower levels of chemicals than adults.
For example, an infant drinks 16 times more apple juice than the average consumer. Yet in a recent study by the Environmental Working Group, more than 65% of the supermarket apples tested contained some level of pesticides.
That’s why growing food organically with no synthetic pesticides is vital for the health of our children.
Sarah Geller is an independent writer for BabyGiftStation – a specialty boutique for baby gifts, baby shower favors and organic baby clothes.