Studies show children exposed to pesticides during pregnancy can have significantly lower IQ’s. Makes sense if you think about the primary purpose of pesticides - to attach the nervous system of insects.

According to researchers at the University of California children are more susceptible to the toxic effect of organcophosphate chemicals. The reason children are most at risk is because they lack a particular enzyme called paraoxonase. This enzyme helps to protect adults from some toxins by neutralizing them and then eliminating them from the body. Paraoxonase increases as we grow older but it does take those young formulative years to become effective in helping the body fight off toxins.

A person’s genetic make up can also determine the affect certain chemicals have on them. Genes are responsible for deciding how effective the paraoxonase enzyme is at breaking down toxins. Variations of the paraoxanase gene will affect the quantity and quality of the paraoxanase enzyme and thus a person’s natural ability to fight the pesticides.

Organophosphate pesticides are the prime suspects - extremely toxic and banned from home use they are still used widely in agriculture. Our best defence is to live as chemical free as we can. An estimated 60% of what is applied on your skin is absorbed therefore two major areas to seriously consider going organic are in your beauty regime and baby skin care routine.

Children are most vulnerable as their bodies grow so rapidly. Toxic chemicals can interfere with their brain growth and disrupt hormone levels at important developmental stages so organic nappy creams, baby wipes, soap and massage oils really are a good investment. Trying the Avado Baby Naturals range is a great start.

Feeding children organic fruit and vegetables may be healthier but it is also more expensive. An alternative is to buy some organic produce and skimp on those likely to be less contaminated. The Environmental Working Group (EWG) release an annual Shopper's Guide to Pesticides. Their ‘Dirty Dozen’ includes produce containing the most pesticide residue like apples, strawberries and spinach. Their ‘Clean 15’ measure lowest in pesticide levels including eggplant, kiwi fruit and mushrooms. The EWG say that if you switch to organic using only the Dirty Dozen list you can reduce pesticide exposure by 80%. Sounds like a savvy plan to keep our kids toxic-free to me!

Reference:

Bouchard et al., “Prenatal Exposure to Organophosphate Pesticides and IQ in 7-Year-Old Children” (UC Berkeley)