New research reported in the June issue (2010) of Pediatrics, suggests that exposure to high levels of organophosphate pesticides may increase the odds for attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) in children.
Going organic, buying at farmers’ markets and washing fruits and vegetables thoroughly before consuming them, is the best way to minimize pesticide exposure.
“Organophosphates are one of the most widely used pesticides in agriculture.”
In their study, Bouchard and her colleagues analyzed data on pesticide exposure and ADHD in more than 1,100 American children aged 8 to 15.
“The higher the level of exposure [as measured by metabolites in the urine], the higher the odds of having ADHD,” Bouchard added.
High doses of organophosphates may inhibit acetylcholinesterase, a nervous system enzyme, and may affect different growth factors and neurotransmitters.
These findings may provide another clue into the causes of ADHD, a condition which affects one in fourteen school-aged children, according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Autism and other chronic disorders of brain and development may also be affected by pesticides, though this was not mentioned in this article.
At least one-third of fathers who have had ADHD in their youth have a child with ADHD.” Perhaps the inability to excrete (detox) pesticides is the possible reason.
The time is now to get serious about eating organic from the day of conception throughout our lives.