The Dirty Dozen and Why You Should Care

What is the Dirty Dozen?

The Dirty Dozen is the top 12 fruits and vegetables that are most contaminated with pesticides. Every year the Environmental Working Group studies and tests the top fruits and vegetables for pesticides. Pesticides are linked to cancer and reproductive damage, as well as being banned in Europe.

What are the Dirty Dozen?

1) Strawberries

2) Spinach

3) Kale, Collard and Mustard Greens

4) Grapes

5) Peaches

6) Pears

7) Nectarines

8) Apples

9) Bell and hot peppers

10) Cherries

11) Blueberries

12) Green beans

You can find the full link here: https://www.ewg.org/foodnews/dirty-dozen.php?gad_source=1&gclid=CjwKCAjwps-zBhAiEiwALwsVYUoS5fikhH9VUJfNWbBd9mz-ZOgDJnz0fhT7jMZFvp1lQ0Lo1vUemhoCfJsQAvD_BwE

Why you should care:

Pesticide exposure is linked to a higher chance of:

Cancer

ADHD

Autism spectrum disorder

*especially in children consuming pesticides

What to do about it:

Eating organic as much as possible is ideal, but that can also get expensive.

Prioritize eating the Dirty Dozen produce organic to reduce pesticide exposure as much as possible