Pesticides linked to attention problems in
children. An increasing number of young people
are being diagnosed with attention deficit
hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). Now, a study
by researchers at Canada’s University of
Montreal finds that children who tested positive
for byproducts of certain pesticides were
100% more likely to suffer from ADHD symptoms.
The study was the largest of its kind and
examined 1,000 children for the presence of
organophosphates, a category of pesticides
that kills insects by disrupting their nervous
systems. The study's authors concluded by
recommending organically grown fruits and
vegetables as the safest way to protect from
such disorders. In related news, Bayer CropScience,
the manufacturer of a highly toxic insecticide
called aldicarb, has agreed to stop producing
the compound by 2015 with its use on citrus
and potatoes being prohibited after next year.
We appreciate the research of the Canadian
scientists, disturbing though their findings
may be. May we soon see the end of such harmful
chemicals applied to all foods, with children
and adults alike receiving the optimal nutrition
of organic plant-based fare�
