New research reveals washing fruits doesn't eliminate pesticide risks
Summer is the best time for fresh fruits. Dietitians recommend eating them every day, which is great. However, when apples or pears come from unknown places, we sometimes worry about pesticides. Until recently, it seemed that washing them was enough. Now, scientists have a different opinion on this matter.
4:13 PM EDT, August 12, 2024
Pesticides are often used to protect crops from pests. However, their presence in fruits is not without health significance. So, what can be done to get rid of them?
Impact on health
Pesticides can pose a serious health risk. Their presence in fruits can lead to poisoning, resulting in nausea, stomach aches, and headaches. Long-term exposure to pesticides can cause more serious health problems, such as hormonal disorders, nerve damage, or even cancers.
Washing is not enough
Pesticides, a key element in crop protection, significantly impact the food economy but can pose a health risk if consumed unknowingly. Research has repeatedly confirmed that pesticides can be hazardous to our health. Chinese scientists in "Nano Letters" emphasize that "protecting human health requires sensitive analytical methods to identify even trace amounts of these potentially harmful substances."
It was believed that thoroughly washing fruits would remove all pesticides. That belief has been challenged by new reports suggesting otherwise. Scientists emphasize that just washing fruits is not sufficient to remove all pesticides. Research shows that harmful substances remain on the surface of fruits or vegetables even after thorough washing.
New methods
Scientists used an imaging method they developed that allows for detecting pesticide contamination at very low levels. The first tests using this method showed that current food safety practices might be insufficient, especially concerning fruits. They checked pesticide distribution using apples as an example. They discovered that pesticides remained just under the skin even after washing fruits. This confirms that they can penetrate the outer flesh layer. These findings were reported in "Nano Letters".
According to the researchers, these tests suggest that merely washing fruits and vegetables is not sufficient to prevent pesticide consumption. They recommend peeling purchased fruits for greater safety.
