Below is a summary of the known and implied health risks associated with pesticides and by inference pesticide residues.

Though there is a likelihood of contact with some level of pesticide residue in day to day life, this must be considered in the context of the very low levels of residue and the other similar contaminants that we come into contact with in our modern world.

Pesticides are Poisons

As poisons, pesticides are inherently dangerous. However, farmers manage and reduce the risk by both using low levels and applying some time before the crop is harvested so that the pesticide degrades into harmless compounds or is washed off by the rain or other means.

Thus they can be targeted and used at application levels that kill insects rather than harm humans who subsequently use the products.

Ultimately, the main health fear associated with pesticides is not that someone will eat a sprayed apple and fall ill, but that residues or the products of their degradation will build up over the years with a risk of harmful effects developing in the longer term.

These effects are long-term or difficult to prove they are happening at all; locations and causes are uncertain and many people prefer not to risk exposure to pesticides at all and opt for “organic” foods. They prefer a known risk of natural 'bugs' (see bbc article) to an unknown risk of a build up in pesticide residues over many years.

What are "hormone disruptors"?

A number of pesticides which are commonly found in our food have been identified by the European Union as likely to cause disturbance to natural hormones in our bodies.

These "hormone disruptors" are said to risk affecting brain development, behaviour, and the development of reproductive organs.

They have also been associated with such as falling sperm counts and girls entering puberty earlier.

The greatest risk from hormone disruptors is that they can cause problems at very low doses. Some block the bodies natural hormones from working, while others mimic the action of natural hormones.

Are children at greater risk?

Some scientists believe exposure to pesticides in the womb may be to blame for the growth of behavioural disorders among children in industrial countries.

They also suspect that subtle harm done to the brain early in life may not become evident until much later.

Some pesticides have been found to weaken the immune system, and concern has even been raised that exposure to pesticides in the womb could make individuals more vulnerable to their toxic effects as adults.

And is there any Protection?

The government sets an "approved usage" level for each pesticide, which is intended to define a maximum residue level (MRL), This is effectively a safety limit on how much of any particular pesticide can make its way into the food chain.

The September 1999 report from the "Working Party on Pesticide Residues" found pesticides in many supermarket foods, however it was only a small proportion that breached the limits.

But, the approved usage level is set down for adults, possibly putting children at risk.

Barbara Dinham, programme director of the Pesticides Trust said: "Children tend to eat a lot of fresh fruit and vegetables and there is the worry that they could be more at risk, especially as there are more pesticides in food now, so they are growing up accumulating these chemicals."

What are the prime suspects?

Research has identified several pesticides that pose a risk to health over a prolonged period and even with small-scale exposure.

Chlordecone: Leads to abnormal sperm and affects their ability to move.

Vinclozalin: Another hormone disruptor used on oilseed rape, apples, peas and beans, has been shown to cause serious developmental problems to baby male rats.

Carbendazim: The most commonly used fungicide in the UK. It has been shown to disrupt sperm production in the testicles of adult rats, and to damage the development of mammals in the womb.

Lindane: Linked to breast and other cancers, and fertility problems.

DDT: Linked to cancer and male infertility after it was shown to block the action of male hormones.

Banned in the developed world, and the UN Environment Programme is trying to push through a worldwide ban on the hazardous chemical, but malaria specialists have campaigned against this, as DDT is used to kill the mosquitoes that carry the disease.

Organophosphates: Those used in sheep dip have been linked to excessive tiredness, headaches, limb pains, disturbed sleep, poor concentration, mood changes, and suicidal thoughts.

Risk to Health

Pesticides are Poisons

What are "hormone disruptors"?

And is there any Protection?