Researchers collected data from 1,140 children from a previous survey conducted in the US by Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey.
Nearly 10% (119) of the children met the criteria for ADHD. Pesticide by-products in urine were part of the collected data.
"Children with substantially higher levels of a breakdown product of neurotoxic organophosphate pesticides were twice as likely to be diagnosed with ADHD."
According to the article, researchers concluded that "parents should buy organic for their kids." Although several studies have been conducted on the effects of pesticides on workers, this is the first study to look at effects, in children, of eating foods grown with pesticides.
The article points out something very interesting... something we have been telling the public for years: Some pesticides are "designed to attack the neurological systems of pests (unfortunately, they harm humans, too)". And "most people's exposure to them comes through food, drinking water, and residential pesticide use, according to the EPA."
The following statement is very powerful and troublesome:
"A 2008 U.S. Pesticide Residue Program Report found detectable concentrations of one organophosphate alone, malathion, in 28 percent of frozen blueberries, 25 percent of strawberries, and 19 percent of celery sampled. (Malathion is also commonly sprayed out of airplanes and onto communities as part of mosquito-control programs. Organophosphate pesticides, also found in some flea and tick products, have been tied to childhood leukemia, and are believed to be partially responsible for colony collapse disorder, which is killing off honeybees (who pollinate our food crops) at unprecedented rates."
Grow your own. At the very least, grow your own spices. Some fruits are easy to grow as well. If you are unable to grow your own, buy organic. Wash EVERYTHING VERY WELL, even what is grown at home. Washing and disinfecting becomes even more crucial when you are unable to grow your own or purchase organic fruits and vegetables.
There is little you can do to prevent exposure from airborne pollutants/pesticides. But, as this study suggests, most common exposure to these lethal chemicals is through food. This is something you can control - albeit, not eliminate.
[MSNBC.com]: Pesticides in food linked to ADHD in kids