Chlorpyrifos In Milk and Produce

​A study by the Organic Center shows that almost 60 percent of the non-organic milk sampled contains residues of chlorpyrifos, a pesticide that scientists say is unsafe at any concentration.

​Avoiding Brain-Damaging Chlorpyrifos In Milk and Produce
By Pierre Mouchette | Bits-n-Pieces

A study by the Organic Center shows that almost 60 percent of the non-organic milk sampled contains residues of chlorpyrifos, a pesticide that scientists say is unsafe at any concentration.
 
About chlorpyrifos
Chlorpyrifos is a neurotoxin that affects the nervous system and brain.  Even small amounts of exposure can cause permanent health damage to babies and children, such as impairment of children's IQ and harm to the parts of the brain that control language, memory, behavior, and emotion. 
Research by the Environmental Protection Agency found that babies and developing fetuses are exposed to about five times more chlorpyrifos than what the EPA's standard deems safe.  Children consume chlorpyrifos at 11 to 15 times the EPA standard.  Studies have also linked chlorpyrifos exposure in pregnant women to ADHD in their children.
 
What can you personally do?
Switching to organic milk and organic versions of the most potentially contaminated produce is a great way to cut this pesticide out of your diet.  Chlorpyrifos residues are frequently detected on imported produce, so do not buy peaches and nectarines imported from Chile, bell peppers and hot peppers imported from Mexico, and domestic and imported cilantro.