"Scientists still don’t fully understand the health risks of the chemicals. Here’s how they recommend protecting yourself."
"When Melissa Furlong, an environmental health researcher at the University of Arizona, asks people whether they use pesticides, they often say no. Many think of the chemicals as serious treatments for home infestations or on farms.
But people often come into contact with pesticides in everyday life without realizing it. Household bug sprays, lawn treatments and flea and tick repellents for pets can all be sources of exposure. So can unwashed produce. Spinach, kale, strawberries and grapes top the list of produce most contaminated with pesticides, according to a report released Tuesday by the Environmental Working Group, an advocacy organization.
Scientists still don’t know what amount of pesticide exposure, if any, could be considered safe, Dr. Furlong said, noting that “it took 70 years of research on lead before we figured out there’s no safe exposure.” But many of these chemicals have been linked to serious health issues in observational studies."
Allyson Chiu reports for the New York Times March 24, 2026.
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