EWG's Tips for Avoiding Pesticides

Pesticides are chemicals designed to kill living organisms that are considered pests, including insects, weeds and mold.

Even after washing fruits and vegetables, pesticide residues remain on produce. Research shows that certain pesticides used on American produce are linked to cancer, hormone disruption, and cognitive and behavioral problems.

To find out more about how pesticides affect you and your family, check out EWG’s Tips for Avoiding Pesticides.

For more EWG resources on on avoiding pesticides, check out EWG’s Shopper’s Guide to Pesticides in Produce™ and our 2012 report on eating healthy on a tight budget.

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Food

Where does your food come from? What’s on it? Pesticides are sprayed on millions of acres and may end up on your food. Federal farm subsidies encourage overproduction of the wrong foods. EWG works for farming that produces healthy food in a healthy environment.

Pesticides

Millions of people rely on EWG's Shopper's Guide to Pesticides in Produce to reduce their exposure to toxic synthetic pesticides used on fruits and vegetables. The alternative is buy organic.

Vegetables at grocery store

Food & Water

Everyone deserves access to safe and clean food and water. We push for tougher regulations to keep our food and water safe.