Scientists reveal washing fruits doesn't remove all pesticides
Summer is the best time for fresh fruits. We eat them every day, which is great, as dietitians recommend. However, when apples or pears come from unknown places, we sometimes worry about pesticides. Until recently, it seemed that washing them was enough. Now, scientists have a different opinion on this matter.
12 August 2024 17:37
Pesticides are often used to protect crops from pests. However, their presence in fruits is not without health significance. What can be done to get rid of them?
Impact on health
Pesticides can pose a serious health risk. Their presence in fruits can lead to poisoning, manifested by nausea, stomach aches, and headaches. Long-term exposure to pesticides can lead to more serious health problems, such as hormonal disorders, nerve damage, or even cancers.
Washing is not enough
Pesticides, a key element in crop protection and significantly impact the food economy, can pose a health risk if consumed unknowingly. Research has repeatedly confirmed that pesticides can pose a risk to our health. Chinese scientists in "Nano Letters" emphasize that protecting human health requires sensitive analytical methods that will identify even trace amounts of these potentially harmful substances.
It was believed that once fruits were thoroughly washed, they would be free of pesticides. That was the belief until now; new reports suggest otherwise. Scientists emphasize that just washing fruits is not sufficient to remove all pesticides. Research has shown that harmful substances remain on the surface of fruits or vegetables even after thorough washing.
Washing fruits before eating does not remove pesticides – the only way to avoid consuming chemicals is to peel the fruits - this is stated in a new report.
New methods
Scientists used an imaging method they developed themselves. It allows for the detection of pesticide contamination at very low levels. This method's first tests showed that current food safety practices might be insufficient, especially concerning fruits. They checked how pesticides are distributed using apples as an example. They discovered that pesticides remained just under the skin even after washing fruits. This confirms that they can penetrate the outer flesh layer. Such findings were reported in "Nano Letters".
According to the researchers, these tests suggest that merely washing fruits and vegetables is not sufficient to prevent pesticide consumption. They recommend peeling purchased fruits for greater safety.
