The journal Pediatrics has published a report that shows a link between children who suffer from Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) and exposure to organophosphate pesticides used to protect fruit and vegetables.Belinda Goldsmith reports for Reuters that the researchers "tracked the pesticides' breakdown product in children' urine and found those with high levels were almost twice as likely to develop ADHD as those with undetectable levels." Since the findings come from data from the general population, there is the chance that "exposure to pesticides could be harmful even at levels commonly found in children's environment."
The study in question sampled 1,100 children between 8 and 15 years-old. Mothers and caretakers were also interviewed. The researchers found "that about one in 10 met the criteria for ADHD, which jibes with estimates for the general population."
Goldsmith quotes Marc Weisskopf, a researcher at the Harvard School of Public Health who worked on the report, as stating their is growing concern that pesticide exposure and ADHD are related, and "'[w]hat this paper specifically highlights is that this may be true even at low concentrations."' Weisskopf did acknowledge that the link is not completely understood at this time. Still, Weisskopf believes that the pesticides that are involved in the link are most likely pesticides and insecticides "used on produce and indoors."
Dow AgroSciences manufacturers the pesticide organophosphate chlorpyrifos, and Gary Hamlin of DowAgroSciences noted that, while he has not read the report closely, the report didn't establish a specific association between chlorpyrifos and ADHD. However, for the most common pesticide product, diemthyl triophosphate , "the odds of ADHD almost doubled in kids with above-average levels compared to those without detectable levels."
Weisskopf states in the Reuters article "[t]hat's a very strong association that, if true, is of very serious concern . . . These are widely used pesticides."' According to the Reuters article, Weisskopf believes more studies, particularly those involving exposure levels over time, are needed before a ban on pesticides should be contemplated.
In the meantime, Weisskopf gives the age-old advice to parents--wash your fruits and vegetables before you eat them.
To read the Reuters article click here.
To read the report in the journal Pediatrics, click here.
Posted: 05/18/10
