Denmark discovers an alarmingly high concentration of pesticide poisoning in their population - school children are especially vulnerable

Tuesday, June 07, 2016 by: Sarah Landers
Tags: Denmark, pesticides, children

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(NaturalNews) Researchers in Denmark are concerned about the levels of pesticides found in Danish children and mothers – chemicals that could cause brain damage among other debilitating illnesses, as reported by CHP Post Online. A study undertaken by the environmental protection agency Miljostyrelsen, the University of Southern Denmark and the University of Copenhagen, has led scientists to sound the alarm regarding high concentrations of pesticides that are showing up in urine samples of Danish mothers and children.

Researchers suspect that the pesticides could harm children's brains, and Philippe Grandjean, professor of environmental medicine at the University of Southern Denmark, stated: "It is alarming that we have such a high concentration of pesticides in Denmark. I fear that it will hurt the intelligence of the next generation."

Children are at risk

The alarming figures released last week are cause for concern. The researchers examined the amount of commonly used agricultural pesticides found in 144 Danish school children and 145 mothers. The concentrations found are reportedly high, and the researchers are concerned that these substances are damaging children's brains.

A 2010 study by the University of Montreal and Harvard University found that pesticide exposure through residue left on fruits and vegetables can actually double a child's risk for developing attention deficient hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) – characterized by impulsive behavior, difficulty paying attention and hyperactivity.

Meanwhile, KQED News recently disclosed the first comprehensive survey that identifies pesticide use near thousands of California schools. The California Department of Public Health found the 2,500 schools in 15 different counties were located within just one quarter of a mile of an area that sees heavy pesticide use.

And, it's not just children that are at risk. Pesticides have also been linked to diseases such as Parkinson's. As previously reported by Natural News, it is thought that the organophosphates that are found in pesticides cause damage to the nerve connections in the brain – disrupting neurotransmitters and leading to brain disorders.

Pesticides in the U.S.

The most concerning part of the report is that most of the pesticides found in the urine tests are actually illegal in Denmark – pointing to the fact that the high levels are attributed to imported fruits and vegetables. The EU sets limits on the amount of pesticide residue allowed in food, and scientists in Denmark suggest that those limits need to be lower.

However, these pesticides are legal in the U.S., and commonly used in gardens, public spaces and by Big Agri. And, if you enjoy the following fruits, you will be disappointed to find out that they are usually doused in toxic pesticides:

• Peaches: According to the U.S. Department of Agriculture, 98 percent of peaches test positive for residue of at least one pesticide.
• Grapes: U.S. grapes have tested positive for three different pesticides, one of which – imidacloprid – is banned in Europe.
• Blueberries: Blueberries test positive for three pesticides, including pyraclostrobin, which is thought to have sickened 33 people in 2007, after a single incident of crop dusting.
• Apples: 99 percent of apples test positive for at least one pesticide residue, including thiabendazole which is classed by the Pesticide Action Network as a known or probable carcinogen.
• Strawberries: These test positive for captan – another acutely toxic, known or probable carcinogen.
• Cherries: Cherries test positive for bifenthrin which is classed by the Pesticide Action Network as a developmental or reproductive toxin, causing birth defects, infertility, sterility and impairment of growth.

The Danish study is a warning to governments regarding what is apparently considered "safe" levels of pesticides. The food chain is being exposed to levels that are leading to health implications worldwide – and yet the U.S. government continues to insist that pesticides are safe.

Sources include:

CPHPost.dk

NaturalNews.com

KQED.org

Science.NaturalNews.com