You are not alone if you are concerned about the amount of pesticides in your produce. About 85 percent of 1,050 people surveyed by Consumer Reports were worried about the amount of pesticides used in produce. Those of us with health problems such as allergies may have a heightened sense of concern because these chemicals may further impair our immune system.

How do pesticides affect your immune system? Many of these chemicals have known or suspected carcinogenic or endocrine-disrupting properties. Endocrine disruptors can block or mimic the action of hormones, even at low levels. Research has linked endocrine disrupters with fertility issues, immune system damage and neurological problems.

With that information in mind, is organic produce the better choice even though it may cost an average of 49 percent more than conventionally grown fruits and vegetables? Experts at Consumer Reports say “yes” because it is better for your health.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reported that there were traces of 29 different pesticides in the average American’s body. Most of the information about the detrimental health effects of pesticides comes from studies of farmworkers exposed regularly to these chemicals. They were found to have an increased risk of Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s disease; prostate, ovarian and other cancers; depression and respiratory problems; and other chronic health problems.

If you eat organic, you may have fewer pesticides in your body. A study in Environmental Health Perspectives found that people who said they often or always ate organic produce had about 50 percent lower levels of organophosphate breakdown products in their bodies than those who rarely or never did. Those who sometimes chose organic produce had levels as much as 35 percent lower.

Is it better to skip produce if you cannot afford organic? The answer is “no” because the health benefits of eating fruits and vegetables outweigh the risks of pesticides. Increasing fruit and vegetable consumption could prevent 20,000 cancer cases annually, and 10 cases of cancer per year could be attributed to consumption of pesticides from the additional produce, according to a 2012 study. Individuals in another study who ate produce at least three times per day had a lower risk of stroke, hypertension and death from cardiovascular disease.

Consumer Reports has provided a downloadable PDF of a chart that shows the risk of pesticide exposure from eating 48 fresh conventional fruits and vegetables from 14 different countries. Go here https://www.consumerreports.org/content/dam/cro/news_articles/health/PDFs/CRO_Health_Pesticide_Chart_03-15.pdf
to download the chart which may help you when shopping for produce that will reduce your exposure to pesticides.