Pesticides: What Every Parent Needs to Know
Every day, our families are exposed to pesticides in food, water, and the environment. Here's what the science says — and what you can do about it.
What Are Pesticides?
Pesticides are chemical substances designed to kill or repel insects, weeds, fungi, and other organisms that threaten agricultural crops. While they help increase crop yields, their widespread use has raised serious questions about human health — especially for children, whose developing bodies are more vulnerable to chemical exposure.
The United States uses over 1 billion pounds of pesticides annually — more than any other country in the world. Residues end up in the food we eat, the water we drink, and the air we breathe.
For families, this matters because children eat more food relative to their body weight than adults, their organs are still developing, and their detoxification pathways are immature. What might be a “tolerable” level for an adult can have outsized effects on a growing child.
Glyphosate: The Most Widely Used Herbicide on Earth
Glyphosate is the active ingredient in Roundup and is sprayed on over 90% of conventional corn, soy, and wheat in the U.S.
WHO/IARC Classification
In 2015, the World Health Organization's International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) classified glyphosate as “probably carcinogenic to humans” (Group 2A). Despite this finding, glyphosate remains the most used herbicide worldwide, sprayed on more than 90% of conventional food crops.
Detected in Breast Milk
MAA-sponsored testing found glyphosate in American mothers' breast milk at levels of 76 to 166 ug/L — the first study of its kind.
Found in Urine
Urine testing across multiple studies has consistently found glyphosate at levels indicating widespread dietary exposure in American families.
Above EU Limits in Water
Glyphosate levels detected in U.S. drinking water are 760 to 1,600 times higher than levels allowed by European safety standards.
Other Pesticides of Concern
Glyphosate isn't the only chemical threatening our families. Here are other pesticides parents should know about.
Chlorpyrifos
A known neurotoxin linked to developmental delays, reduced IQ, and ADHD in children. The EPA banned its use on food crops in 2021 after decades of advocacy, though it is still used in some industrial applications.
Atrazine
One of the most commonly detected pesticides in U.S. drinking water. An endocrine disruptor shown to cause hormonal disruption at extremely low levels. Banned in the European Union since 2004 but still widely used in the U.S.
Neonicotinoids
Linked to the collapse of bee colonies worldwide and growing concerns about human neurological effects. These pesticides are absorbed into every part of the plant — including the food we eat — and cannot be washed off.
How to Reduce Your Family's Exposure
You don't have to change everything overnight. Start with one or two swaps and build from there.
Buy Organic — Especially the Dirty Dozen
The EWG's Dirty Dozen list identifies the 12 most pesticide-contaminated fruits and vegetables. Prioritize buying these organic: strawberries, spinach, kale, nectarines, apples, grapes, peaches, cherries, pears, tomatoes, celery, and potatoes.
Wash Produce Thoroughly
While washing cannot remove all pesticides (especially systemic ones), it can reduce surface residues. Use a baking soda solution (1 tsp per 2 cups water) for the most effective wash.
Filter Your Water
Invest in a high-quality water filter that removes glyphosate and other pesticides. Reverse osmosis and activated carbon filters are among the most effective options.
Support Organic Farming
Every organic purchase sends a market signal. Support local organic farmers, community-supported agriculture (CSA) programs, and vote for policies that promote regenerative agriculture.
See the Full Testing Data
Explore MAA's comprehensive database of independent lab results — glyphosate levels in food, water, breast milk, and more.