Since before 2000 B.C., humans have used pesticides to protect crops from harmful
organisms. Today, they are still used throughout agricultural fields around the
world. Pesticides are mixtures of chemicals intended to prevent, destroy, repel
or mitigate insects, fungi, bacteria, viruses and other pests. Although pesticides
are used to prevent potential health hazards, many foods contain pesticide residue
that pose other health problems – even after being washed.
According to What’s On My Food?,
we are exposed to pesticides in our food, water and air. Chemicals found in pesticides
are often linked to cancers, neurological disorders, and other health issues. In
addition, some pesticides can harm the environment and contaminate land, water and
animals.
What’s On My Food?, a project
by the Pesticide Action Network (PAN), is a Web tool about pesticide exposure. The
website allows you to easily search for pesticide residue and toxicology information
for each chemical. It lists about 100 different types of food that you can click
on to learn what kind of pesticide residue remain, as well as any associated human
health effects.
The website explains the PAN and its methodology of creating
What’s On My Food?. You can also read about pesticide exposure and
what actions you can take to protect yourself and the environment.
We’d love to hear from you.
If you know a web site that focuses on health, family, food or fun, email it to feedback@islandscene.com and we may review it for Island Scene Online.