Study Links Pesticide Exposure with ADHD in Children

Last week, we covered a new study that links farming with breast cancer in women. This week, yet another study highlights pesticides' potential effects on health. A study published today in the Journal of Pediatrics suggests that exposure to organophosphates, pesticides commonly used on a number of fruits and veggies, may cause Attention Deficit and Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) in children.

Researchers took urine samples from more than 1,000 kids ages 8-through-15. Of the participants, 119 were known to have ADHD. The study found that children with the highest concentrations of organophosphates in their urine were more likely to have ADHD.

While more research is needed to really confirm a link between organophosphate exposure and development of ADHD, this study joins a growing body of evidence suggesting that chemical exposure--particularly that which occurs during childhood--can have profound effects on health. Earlier studies show that organophosphate exposure during early life can cause brain injuries. And last week's study suggests that women exposed to pesticides and estrogen-mimicking chemicals during childhood were more likely to develop breast cancer later in life. Add this new study to the mix and we're getting a robust picture of just how detrimental chemical exposure can be, especially to children.

While all these studies are scary in their own right, there is a solution: organic farming. True, Big Ag's chemical dependency problem rivals that of a B-rate celebrity's. But with some pressure from consumers and a little innovation, agriculture can wean itself off of harmful pesticides like organophosphates. In the meantime, buy organic produce, don't use herbicides and pesticides on gardens (particularly ones that kids work on!), and keep household chemical use to a minimum.