"Forever chemicals" and pesticides are on produce. Can you wash them off?
Briefly

"Forever chemicals" and pesticides are on produce. Can you wash them off?
"The produce items highlighted by the report all fall under the legal limits on pesticide exposure as set by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. But scientists still haven't fully evaluated the effects of simultaneous exposures to many of these chemicals over a long period of time."
"More than 30 percent of the fruit and vegetables sampled, the report found, contained PFAS, or perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances. These forever chemicals break down very slowly over time, hence the nickname."
"They have been linked to a variety of negative health effects, such as a decreased immune response, altered metabolic signaling and even an increased risk of certain types of cancer."
"We do have concerns, particularly about children and also pregnant people, because exposure to these chemicals can pose significant health risks."
Blueberries, along with other fruits and vegetables, are often coated in pesticide residues, as highlighted by the Dirty Dozen analysis from the EWG. While these items fall within legal pesticide limits, the long-term effects of simultaneous chemical exposures remain unclear. More than 30% of sampled produce contained PFAS, linked to various health issues. Experts express concern about the risks of PFAS exposure, particularly for children and pregnant individuals, emphasizing the need for pesticide-free nutritious options.
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