Pesticide exposure in the womb may decrease child intelligence
THURSDAY, JULY 03, 2014 10:17 AM

Farmers spray pesticides over crops to prevent bugs from eating the food, but the poison could also be harmful to humans. Many people choose to eat organic food because it lacks chemical pesticides, while others simply wash their fruits and vegetables before consuming them. However, avoiding airborne pesticides is a litter trickier, and not doing so can affect intelligence. According to a study published in the journal Environmental Health Perspectives, mothers who are exposed to the chemicals while pregnant give birth to children whose IQ scores are lower than those of their peers when entering grade school.

Studying pesticides
Researchers studied primarily Latino women living in rural farming communities in California, where exposure to airborne pesticides would be greatest. The women provided urine samples, which researchers tested for certain chemicals found in pesticides. After the pregnant women gave birth, the team also tested the urine of the children at 6 months, and 1, 2, 3.5 and 5 years of age. Finally, researchers conducted an IQ test on 7-year?-olds who hadn't been exposed to many pesticides during prenatal development, as well as to those who had. 

The results revealed that children whose mothers had been exposed to pesticides while pregnant had an IQ score deficit of 7 points compared to their peers. According to NPR, a difference of 7 points is equivalent to that 7-year-old child thinking at the capacity of a 6.5-year?-old. However, postnatal exposure did not affect testing outcomes. Researchers believe this indicates that the process of development in the womb is more delicate, and interruption by chemical pesticides can inhibit intelligence later in life. 

Reducing exposure
You don't have to live near farms to be exposed to pesticides. The produce you eat and gardening supplies you choose can introduce the chemicals into your diet. If you are pregnant or about to become pregnant, you can limit your pesticide exposure to protect your child's future IQ.

Wash produce: Farmers spray pesticides over fruit and vegetables, so the produce's skin is coated with it. While grocery stores may mist their food, you should still wash it before consumption. Consider using an all-natural fruit and vegetable wash to ensure your produce is clean.

Eat organic: Organic food, by definition, does not contain chemical pesticides. By eating produce with this label, you'll ensure you won't be exposed to the harmful chemicals.

Avoid weed killers: While you want your garden to be lovely, you shouldn't destroy weeds using a chemical spray. These products contain pesticides that can affect your unborn child if you inhale too much of it.