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Pesticide Residues: Protect YourselfPesticide residues are a risk even with organic produce. It is true that organic production methods do not allow the use of synthetic pesticides. So, how can it get onto your organic produce? The fact is conventional farming practices do use an abundance of chemicals. They are disbursed in a fine mist or fine powder. These tiny particles get carried by air currents, often miles from their original source. As protection, organic farmers must have a buffer zone. An area where no crop is planted. This helps, but contamination can still occur during transport. So, always wash your produce. Even the organic. You can also protect yourself by washing your hands when you come indoors. The mist settles on articles like stair rails, door handles, anything really. Having your family remove their shoes eliminates another major source of contaminants. To remove the particles from carpets, you steam clean your carpets. If you have been outside when a neighbor was spraying, you need to shower within 30 minutes. These chemicals can penetrate the skin. And then wash the clothes you were wearing. Eating organic reduces your exposure to these residues, but it does not eliminate it.
Sound hand washing removes the hand to mouth transfer of residues.
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