Organic diets lower children’s exposure to pesticides some pesticides

A study led by researchers from Emory University in the United States concludes that an organic diet given to children provides an immediate protective effect against exposures to some pesticides particularly used in agricultural production.


Funded by the United States Environmental Protection Agency (US EPA), the primary objective was to determine the contribution of daily dietary pesticide intake to the overall pesticide exposure in a group of children in elementary schools.

The results show that organic diets lower the level of organophosphates pesticides (OP)’s exposure in young children. It should be noted that in 1999, the EPA imposed restrictions on the use of OP since these pesticides have made agricultural workers ill and threaten the development of children. OP affect mainly the nervous system and increase susceptibility to poisoning.

Methodology: 23 3-to-11-years-old children participated in the 15 days study. During the 1st and 3rd phases, the children consumed their conventional diet, and the second phase involved the consumption of organic products. Urine samples were collected everyday and analysed.

Last modified on October 28 2005.