The Examination of the Link Between Pesticides in Food and Learnig Disorders in Children
Graduation Date
Spring 1994
Document Type
Master's Thesis
Document Form
Degree Name
Master of Science
Program Name
Education
Abstract
This study examined the relationship between pesticides in food and hyperactive or attention-deficit disorder in school age children.
Pesticides that are established neurotoxins have been used for decades in agriculture and home gardening. The research literature on pesticides in food and their impact on children's behavior was examined. Other literature examined the effect of neurotoxins on the human body. A review of the literature indicates that young children's diets, as compared to adult diets, contain higher percentages of fruits. Other findings indicated that children binge more on fruits and vegetables having as many as 15 pesticides present on one piece. Young children ingesting foods contaminated by toxic chemicals are more susceptible to cellular damage such as nerve damage, cancers, and liver damage than adults.