An international report has shown that in Brazil every two days one person dies from pesticides. Find out how to avoid complications
According to a survey by the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO), with data from 2021, Brazil leads the world ranking in the use of pesticides, surpassing the consumption of countries such as China and the United United put together.
This information constitutes an alarm, as the use of these substances can pose significant health risks. The “Toxic Trade” report, drawn up by the international organization Friends of the Earth Europe, for example, highlights that every two days in Brazil one person dies due to the use of pesticides.
Health risks from pesticides
The nutritionist of the São Vicente de Paulo Hospital (HSVP-RJ), Dr. Emeliano Folly, highlights the main effects caused by pesticides on the body:
1- Intoxication acute: it can cause immediate symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, dizziness, headache, difficulty breathing, convulsions and, in extreme cases, even coma and death.
2 – Chronic effects: Continued exposure to low doses of pesticides over time can lead to chronic effects, such as neurological and hormonal disorders, damage to the immune system, liver and kidneys, respiratory problems, as well as increasing the risk of some types of cancer.
3 – Development problems: Children are more sensitive to the harmful effects of pesticides. This is because exposure during pregnancy or childhood can lead to cognitive and behavioral problems and even central nervous system disorders.
4 – Allergies and sensitivities: Exposure to these substances can trigger allergic reactions such as skin rashes, itching, swelling and difficulty breathing.
Escape pesticide buildup
Nutritionist Vanessa Sousa, also from HSVP, says it is possible to protect yourself from food contamination by taking certain precautions, especially good hygiene.
According to her, fruits and vegetables tend to be the foods with the most pesticides, as they contain pores that absorb more toxins.
“My advice is not to buy very large foods, since growth beyond their natural size means that they have been exposed to a large amount of product. Also, prefer seasonal foods. The harvest is the period in which the plant has all favorable conditions to grow, without adding chemicals to the crop,” he advises.
To identify whether food is contaminated, Vanessa recommends checking characteristics such as the color of the skin of the fruit or vegetable and looking out for the presence of a lighter substance, such as white powder, which could be a sign of too much pesticide. in the area.
7 steps to properly clean fruit and vegetables
Cleaning fruit, vegetables and leafy greens can be done in the following ways: if the foods must be consumed with the peel, the ideal is to leave them to soak for 30 minutes in a solution composed of a teaspoon of bicarbonate and a liter of water (increasing the desired proportion). Subsequently it is necessary to wash the food well under running water in order to completely eliminate all the bicarbonate.
To clean leafy vegetables, the National Health Supervision Agency (Anvisa) recommends removing the outer leaves and washing them separately in running water. Then they need to be soaked in chlorinated water for 15 minutes. The measurement of this solution is two tablespoons of bleach, with 1% sodium hypochlorite, for every liter of water.
To reduce the risk of ingesting these toxic substances we must follow 7 steps. Watch:
- Choose organic foods and consume from smaller or regional producers;
- Wash well and, when possible, peel food;
- Choose seasonal vegetables;
- Avoid foods that are too perfect;
- Vary your diet;
- Know the origin of the food and pay attention to the information on the packaging;
- Cook, bake or boil food at appropriate temperatures.
Source: Terra
Ben Stock is a lifestyle journalist and author at Gossipify. He writes about topics such as health, wellness, travel, food and home decor. He provides practical advice and inspiration to improve well-being, keeps readers up to date with latest lifestyle news and trends, known for his engaging writing style, in-depth analysis and unique perspectives.
