Blueberries & Pesticides

Health Hazards

• The organophosphates used on berries kill insects by acting as neurotoxins. Exposure to neurotoxins has a negative effect on humans, especially children. Young children, in their critical stages of development, can suffer neurologic trauma with excessive exposure to organophosphates. Effects include behavioral disorders such as ADHD, memory deficit and problems with motor skills. Scientific data from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (2000-2004) suggests that children with a high concentration of organophospate metabolites in their urine had double the risk of ADHD, compared to those with undetectable amounts. Additionally, the USDA Pesticide Data Program proved that conventionally grown blueberries harbor more than eight known carcinogens, 24 suspected hormone disruptors and seven reproductive toxins.

Toxic Drift

• Toxic drift is a harmful byproduct of spraying blueberry fields. Drift allows pesticides to move into the air and away from the application area. In windy conditions, pesticide spray affects people residing in close proximity to treated fields. Additionally, blueberry pesticides migrate to neighboring organic fruit and vegetable crops, tainting these food sources. The Maine Board of Pesticides Control collected data from 200 sampling sites in 2003. These samples detected toxic drift greater than 5,000 feet from the fields it was intended for.

Water Quality

• Pesticides applied to blueberry fields seep into the underlying soil. Although certain soil conditions provide excellent filtration, toxic pesticides still reach groundwater stores. Once in these stores, pesticide contamination resurfaces in drinking water. Rivers and streams, fed by underground springs, also fall prey to pesticide leach. Hexazinone, an herbacide commonly used on blueberries, can resurface in these waterways.

Protecting Your Family

• Conventionally grown blueberries, and other foods on the "Dirty Dozen" list, may pose a threat to humans. Exercising moderation when consuming these foods should protect the healthy adult from overexposure to toxins. People concerned with the health risks associated with pesticides are urged to buy organic produce. Also, parents of young children are advised to make organic choices. Buying organic berries will lessen the risk of pesticide exposure during your child's developmental years.