New research links exposure to common pesticides with compromised vitamin D levels that can cause deficiencies and disease, according to a study published in a recent issue of the journal PLoS One.
]]> http://www.organicauthority.com/blog/organic/banned-ddt-pesticidestill-a-health-risk-linked-to-vitamin-d-deficiencies/feed/ 0 http://www.organicauthority.com/blog/organic/pesticide-use-rises-in-california/ http://www.organicauthority.com/blog/organic/pesticide-use-rises-in-california/#comments Wed, 04 Jan 2012 08:00:11 +0000 Jill Ettinger http://www.organicauthority.com/blog/?p=10686

The California Department of Pesticide Regulation released data showing an extra 15 million pounds—nearly a ten percent increase—of pesticides were used in 2010 after four years of steady declines.

The Permanent People's Tribunal indicted the Big 6 transnational pesticide companies - BASF, Monsanto, Syngenta, Dow and Bayer - for violating internationally recognized human rights. While the PPT can't enforce legal penalties, the trial could set precedent for future legal actions.

]]> http://www.organicauthority.com/blog/organic/people%e2%80%99s-tribunal-indicts-6-pesticide-giants-for-human-rights-violations/feed/ 0 http://www.organicauthority.com/blog/organic/hawaiian-families-sue-duponts-pioneer-over-gmo-crop-dust/ http://www.organicauthority.com/blog/organic/hawaiian-families-sue-duponts-pioneer-over-gmo-crop-dust/#comments Fri, 16 Dec 2011 08:00:36 +0000 Erin Shaw http://www.organicauthority.com/blog/?p=10649

Three Peruvian children between the ages of six and ten died earlier this month and 50 more became seriously ill after eating food donated by a school nutrition program that was contaminated with high levels of a toxic pesticide.

Widespread use of illegal counterfeit pesticides throughout Europe may be more harmful to consumers, farmers and the environment than the also toxic legal versions, according to a recent article in the Wall Street Journal.

Random USDA produce tests showed at least 34 unapproved pesticides on samples of fresh cilantro that were not removed with washing, according to an article in the Chicago Tribune.

Many consider sustainable farming a boutique industry, unable to compete with conventional farming and produce enough food to supply populations outside their local communities. And that pesticides and modern food processing technology is the only way to meet the world's demand for food.

But Mark Bittman, New York Times contributor and author of The Food Matters Cookbook, claims advances in sustainable farming now make it a viable solution to world hunger. He also points out that today's industrial farming practices aren't the savior they appear, citing record highs in the global food price index. And that conventional farming takes too heavy a toll on the environment.

A peer-reviewed British study published in the current issue of the scientific journal, Environmental Health Perspectives, revealed that 30 out of 37 of the most common pesticides block or mimic male hormones.

Women exposed to pesticides and plasticizers are more likely to have fertility problems and lower birth-weight babies, says a new study.

Plasticizers (or phthalates) are chemical additives used to increase plasticity and softness of materials like plastic, clay, cement, and concrete. Bisphenol A - notoriously known as BPA - is found in some plasticizers.