A new study from researchers at University of Montreal and Harvard found a persuasive link between attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and exposure to common pesticides.
The study examined more than 1,100 children, 150 of which were previously diagnosed as ADHD. The findings, published in Pediatrics, revealed that around 94% of children examined had detectable levels of organophosphate pesticides in their urine. Children with higher levels of residue had increased chances of ADHD.
Said Maryse F. Bouchard of the University of Montreal Department of Environmental and Occupational Health and the Sainte-Justine Hospital Research Center and lead author of the study: "Previous studies have shown that exposure to some organophosphate compounds cause hyperactivity and cognitive deficits in animals. Our study found that exposure to organophosphates in developing children might have effects on neural systems and could contribute to ADHD behaviors, such as inattention, hyperactivity and impulsivity."
A 2008 study found that when children switched to organic produce, detectable pesticide levels dropped to undetectable levels. Important to note: Some produce has markedly higher levels of pesticide residue than others. I will post those in another blog.
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