Overview

• Published in the International Journal of Hygiene and Environmental Health, the analysis found people who ate more high-residue items such as spinach, strawberries and peppers had significantly higher urinary pesticide biomarkers.
• Drawing on USDA residue results from 2013–2018 and NHANES diet and urine data from 1,837 participants, the team created a dietary pesticide exposure score that closely tracked measured biomarkers.
• Scientists reported strong consistency between residues on produce and biomarkers in urine, reflecting concurrent exposure to multiple pesticide classes including organophosphates, pyrethroids and neonicotinoids.
• The exposure relationship emerged only when potatoes were excluded, which researchers say likely reflects varied preparation methods that complicate estimating intake from potatoes.
• The findings raise questions about EPA limits set chemical by chemical as CropLife America defends current cumulative assessments, and guidance encourages continued produce consumption with steps to reduce residues such as choosing lower-residue items, thorough washing or buying organic when possible.