Find out the risks that pesticides pose to health and how to prevent cases of contamination
According to a survey by the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO), carried out with 2021 data, Brazil is at the top of the ranking classification all over the world use of pesticides.
The country uses more pesticides on its crops than China and the United States combined, which raises a caveat, as the use of these substances can represent significant health risks.
Risks of 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. Acute poisoning
Acute poisoning caused by pesticides can cause immediate symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, dizziness, headache, difficulty breathing, seizures 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. Developmental issues
Exposure during pregnancy or childhood can lead to cognitive and behavioral problems and even central nervous system disorders. Therefore, children are often more sensitive to the harmful effects of pesticides.
4. Allergies and sensitivities
Exposure to these substances can trigger allergic reactions such as skin rashes, itching, swelling and difficulty breathing.
Prevention measures
To prevent pesticide contamination it is important to adopt some precautions in everyday life. The main one is the correct food hygiene before consuming them.
According to nutritionist Vanessa Sousa, also from São Vicente de Paulo Hospital, fruit and vegetables tend to be the foods with the most pesticides, as they contain pores that absorb a greater amount of toxins.
Below, see some expert advice for preventing this type of contamination:
- Don’t buy foods that are too large, as growing beyond their natural size means they have been exposed to a large amount of pesticides.
- Prefer to consume seasonal foods. Harvest is the period in which the plant has all the favorable conditions to grow, without the addition of chemicals to the crop.
- To identify whether food is contaminated, check characteristics such as the color of the skin of the fruit or vegetable and look out for the presence of a lighter substance, such as white powder, which could be a sign of too much pesticide in the region.
How to sanitize fruit and vegetables
Cleaning fruits, vegetables and leafy greens is essential to avoid pesticide poisoning. Check out the step-by-step guide to cleaning food correctly.
- If the food is to be eaten with the skin on, leave it to soak for 30 minutes in a solution consisting of a teaspoon of bicarbonate of soda and a liter of water. Wash it under running water to completely eliminate the product.
- In the case of leafy vegetables, remove the outer leaves and wash them separately under running water. Then let them soak for 15 minutes in chlorinated water. The measurement of this solution is two tablespoons of bleach, with 1% sodium hypochlorite, for every liter of water.
Source: Health in the day.
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.
