Dangers of Pesticides on Non-Organic Blueberries

Cancer

• Many of the chemical fertilizers used in the non-organic production of blueberry crops have been linked to increased incidences of cancer. According to Environment Maine, of the nine fungicides recommended for use on blueberries, six are possible carcinogens. Of the 10 insecticides recommended for use on blueberry crops, three are linked with possible carcinogenic effects. Of the seven herbicides recommended, one is a known carcinogen. These links have caused increased concern among residents living adjacent to blueberry fields, not only for their health in consuming these crops, but for the “drift” of these chemicals onto their properties.

Reproductive & Fetal Development Problems

• Many of the chemicals used in pesticide, herbicide and fungicide products often used on non-organically grown blueberry crops have known or suspected links with birth defects or reproductive problems. According to the Northwest Center for Alternatives to Pesticides, a USDA study found 82 percent of frozen blueberry samples were contaminated with pesticides. Chemicals used on non-organic blueberry crops can include methyl bromide and simazine, which are known to have reproductive or developmental effects. Other compounds may be suspected of having effects, though no specific link has yet been found.

Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)

• In May of 2010, "The Huffington Post" reported on a U.S. study in the journal "Pediatrics" that indicated high levels of organophosphate pesticides found in the urine of children may be connected with the incidence of ADHD. Traces were particularly high in frozen blueberries, celery and strawberries. Organophosphate pesticides include such insecticide products as malathion and chlorpyrifos, though no specific link to these particular chemicals have been addressed by the study. Conversely, the urine of children who consume organically grown fruit showed no trace residue of pesticides in their urine. This would indicate that great caution should be exercised in consuming non-organic blueberries.

Other Neurological Problems

• A National Institute of Health study has linked a number of other neurological symptoms among those who apply pesticides to crops. These include headache, dizziness, numbness in hands or feet, nausea, depression, insomnia, blurred vision, poor balance and even loss of consciousness. All of these effects indicate the toxic nature of pesticide compounds and their ability to undermine the health of those in contact with them.