The Environmental Working Group (EWG), a non-profit organization dedicated to protecting human health and the environment, publishes an annual list known as the “Dirty Dozen” or “Dirty Dozen and Clean 15”.[1] This list highlights the 12 fruits and vegetables that contain the highest concentrations of pesticides. Today, we delve into the 2023 edition of the Dirty Dozen and Clean 15.
What is the Dirty Dozen?
Similarly, the Dirty Dozen is a list published annually by the EWG, which ranks the 12 fruits and vegetables most contaminated by pesticides. This ranking is based on tests conducted by the United States Department of Agriculture and the Food and Drug Administration.[2] It is important to note that the produce is tested for pesticide residues after they have been washed or peeled, mimicking what consumers might do at home.[3]
Why is the Dirty Dozen Important?
Pesticide exposure has been linked to various health problems, including neurodevelopmental issues in children, hormone disruption, and even certain types of cancer.[4] The Dirty Dozen list raises consumer awareness about pesticide contamination and helps individuals decide whether to buy conventional or organic produce.[5] Likewise, the potential benefits of choosing organic for the listed items include reduced pesticide exposure, which might specifically benefit children, pregnant women, and individuals with compromised immune systems.[6]
The Rising Concern: Health Implications of Pesticides and Herbicides
As pesticides and herbicides have escalated in conventional agriculture, there is growing concern about the potential harm these chemicals can inflict on human health. These compounds, developed to control pests and promote crop yield, often leave residues that persist in our food supply, environment, and, ultimately, our bodies.
Research strongly indicates a link between exposure to these chemicals and various health issues. Additionally, neurologically, even low-level exposure to certain pesticides has been associated with developmental delays in children, reduced cognitive function, and an increased risk of neurodegenerative diseases like Parkinson’s and Alzheimer’s. Some pesticides, such as organophosphates, disrupt nerve signal transmission, and this mechanism can also adversely affect human neurological function.[7]
Endocrine disruption is another significant health risk linked to pesticide and herbicide exposure. In addition to the health risks, pesticide exposure can also have environmental consequences, such as water pollution and the destruction of wildlife.[8]
Furthermore, several pesticides and herbicides have been classified as potential carcinogens by agencies like the International Agency for Research on Cancer. Additionally, chronic exposure has been associated with an increased risk of several types of cancer, including non-Hodgkin lymphoma, leukemia, and various solid tumors.[9]
Moreover, the incidence of many of these health conditions has risen over recent decades, paralleling the increase in pesticide and herbicide use. At the same time, correlation does not prove causation, the relationship warrants further, rigorous investigation. Meanwhile, the rise of regenerative and organic agriculture offers a way forward, reducing our reliance on these potentially harmful chemicals and fostering a healthier, more sustainable food system.
The 2023 Dirty Dozen List
The Dirty Dozen list for 2023, in order of highest pesticide contamination, includes:
- Strawberries
- Spinach
- Kale, collard & mustard greens
- Peaches
- Pears
- Nectarines
- Apples
- Grapes
- Bell & Hot Peppers
- Cherries
- Blueberries
- Green Beans.[10]
Each fruit or vegetable made the list due to its high levels of pesticide residues. For instance, strawberries typically have the highest concentration of pesticides, with some samples showing residues of 20 different pesticides.[11] Furthermore, spinach samples have shown relatively high concentrations of permethrin, a neurotoxic insecticide.[12]
Tips for Consumers
Consumers should consider buying organic versions when purchasing these fruits and vegetables, particularly for those highest on the list. Washing produce can reduce but not entirely eliminate pesticide residues.[13] Peeling may also help; however, valuable nutrients often accompany the skin.[14]
Understanding Clean Fifteen
In addition to the Dirty Dozen, the EWG also publishes the Clean Fifteen, a list of fruits and vegetables with the least pesticide residues. This list includes produce such as:
- Avocados
- Sweet corn
- Pineapple
- Onions
- Papaya
- Sweet peas (frozen)
- Asparagus
- Honeydew melon
- Kiwi
- Cabbage
- Mushrooms
- Mangoes
- Sweet Potatoes
- Watermelon
- Carrots [15].
It’s encouraging to know that when buying these items, consumers can feel less concerned about pesticide exposure, even when buying non-organic versions. It’s worth noting, however, that a small amount of sweet corn, papaya, and summer squash sold in the United States is produced from genetically modified seeds. Therefore, if you wish to avoid genetically modified produce, buying organic varieties of these crops is recommended!
Conclusion
The Dirty Dozen list is a valuable tool that consumers can use to reduce their pesticide exposure. Furthermore, by being aware of the fruits and vegetables with the highest pesticide residues, individuals can make more informed decisions about which types of products to buy organic.
References:
- EWG. (2023). EWG’s 2023 Shopper’s Guide to Pesticides in Produce. EWG’s Dirty Dozen for 2023. [Online] Available at:https://www.ewg.org/foodnews/ (Accessed 10 July 2023).
- U.S. Department of Agriculture. (2023). Pesticide Data Program. [Online] Available at:https://www.usda.gov/ (Accessed 10 July 2023).
- Bouchard, M. F., et al. (2011). Prenatal Exposure to Organophosphate Pesticides and IQ in 7-Year-Old Children. Environmental Health Perspectives, 119(8), 1189–1195.
- Mostafalou, S., & Abdollahi, M. (2017). Pesticides: an update of human exposure and toxicity. Archives of toxicology, 91(2), 549-599.
- Bradman, A., et al. (2015). Effect of Organic Diet Intervention on Pesticide Exposures in Young Children Living in Low-Income Urban and Agricultural Communities. Environmental Health Perspectives, 123(10), 1086–1093.
- Curl, C. L., et al. (2015). Estimating pesticide exposure from dietary intake and organic food choices: the Multi-Ethnic Study of Atherosclerosis (MESA). Environmental Health Perspectives, 123(5), 475–483.
- Munoz-Quezada, M. T., et al. (2013). Neurodevelopmental effects in children associated with exposure to organophosphate pesticides: A systematic review. NeuroToxicology, 39, 158–168.
- Mnif, W., et al. (2011). Effect of Endocrine Disruptor Pesticides: A Review. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health, 8(6), 2265–2303.
- Zhang, L., et al. (2019). Exposure to glyphosate-based herbicides and risk for non-Hodgkin lymphoma: A meta-analysis and supporting evidence. Mutation Research/Reviews in Mutation Research, 781, 186–206.
- EWG. (2023). EWG’s 2023 Shopper’s Guide to Pesticides in Produce. EWG’s Dirty Dozen for 2023. [Online] Available at:https://www.ewg.org/foodnews/ (Accessed 10 July 2023).
- Zhan, L., et al. (2018). The effects of strawberries on pesticide exposure in young children: A randomized controlled trial. Journal of Exposure Science & Environmental Epidemiology, 28, 31-37.
- Cimino, A. M., et al. (2017). Effects of Neonicotinoid Pesticide Exposure on Human Health: A Systematic Review. Environmental Health Perspectives, 125(2), 155–162.
- Krol, W. J., et al. (2000). Reduction of pesticide residues on produce by rinsing. Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry, 48(10), 4666-4670.
- Lu, C., et al. (2008). Organic diets significantly lower children’s dietary exposure to organophosphorus pesticides. Environmental Health Perspectives, 116(2), 260–265.
- “EWG’s 2023 Shopper’s Guide to Pesticides in Produce: Clean Fifteen.” Environmental Working Group, 2023,https://www.ewg.org/foodnews/clean-fifteen.php. Accessed 10 July 2023.