Pesticide danger ‘underestimated’

CONSUMERS should consider going organic because pesticides on foods are far more dangerous than was thought, causing damage to the human brain, a study suggests.

The research, published by the European Parliament, warns of the “very high costs” of current levels of exposure to pesticides — especially for children and pregnant women.

The study suggests that the damage caused by pesticides across the EU amounts to at least £125-billion (about R2-trillion) a year, based on the loss of lifetime income from such damage.

The report warns of increasing evidence that residues from insecticides are damaging the brain, and reducing the IQ of the population. And it raises concerns that the chemicals could also cause cancer and damage to the reproductive system.

“At least 100 different pesticides are known to cause adverse neurological effects in adults, and all of these substances must therefore be suspected of being capable of damaging developing brains as well,” the report states.

“Such adverse effects are likely to be lasting and one main outcome is cognitive deficits, often expressed in terms of losses of IQ points.” — ©