Pesticides are chemicals used to protect crops from insects, diseases & weeds but their residues remain on produce and enter our bodies when we consume them. Below are some of the common pesticides used in Australia and their associated risks.

Omethoate is an insecticide used to protect various crops such as berries, tomatoes, and leafy greens from pests like aphids and mites. Omethoate works by inhibiting an enzyme essential for nerve function in insects, effectively eliminating these pests. According to the Australian Pesticides and Veterinary Medicines Authority (APVMA), exposure to Omethoate can lead to neurotoxicity in humans, particularly affecting children's developing nervous systems.

Health Concerns:

• Linked to neurotoxicity, causing headaches, dizziness, nausea, and respiratory issues.
• Potential developmental delays and learning disabilities in children.
• Increased susceptibility to neurological damage in pregnant women and children.

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Glyphosate is a broad-spectrum herbicide used to kill weeds, commonly applied to genetically modified crops such as soybeans, corn, and canola. It inhibits a specific enzyme pathway essential for plant growth. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), Glyphosate is associated with significant health risks, including possible carcinogenic effects, with studies linking it to non-Hodgkin lymphoma, and potential for kidney and liver damage.

Health Concerns:

• Linked to potential carcinogenic effects, particularly non-Hodgkin lymphoma.
• Risk of kidney and liver damage.
• Increased susceptibility to cancer and organ damage in children and pregnant women.

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Imidacloprid is a neonicotinoid insecticide widely used on crops such as strawberries, grapes, and citrus fruits to protect against pests like aphids, whiteflies, and beetles. This pesticide acts on the central nervous system of insects, causing paralysis and death. According to studies in PubMed, Imidacloprid poses risks of neurotoxicity, causing symptoms like tremors, muscle weakness, and disrupted motor functions.

Health Concerns:

• Linked to neurotoxicity, causing tremors and muscle weakness.
• Potential reproductive health and developmental effects.
• Increased risk of developmental neurotoxicity in children and long-term cognitive effects.

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Dichlorvos (DDVP) is another organophosphate insecticide used on crops like apples, pears, and broccoli to control a wide range of insects, including flies and aphids. It functions by disrupting the nervous system of insects, leading to their death. According to research published in the National Center for Biotechnology Information (NCBI), Dichlorvos has been linked to several health issues, including neurotoxic effects, respiratory problems, and potential carcinogenic effects.

Health Concerns:

• Linked to neurotoxicity and respiratory issues.
• Potential carcinogenic effects.
• Increased vulnerability to respiratory and neurological effects in children and pregnant women.

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Bacteria are tiny little organisms that exist in lots of different environments, including soil, water, and air. They can also be found on and inside plants, animals, and humans. While some kinds of bacteria are harmless and actually beneficial, some can cause illness if ingested, particularly those that contaminate the goods we eat. They can appear on our food in many different ways:

• Soil and Water Contamination
• Handling and Processing
• Animal Contamination
• Cross-Contamination through food preparation
• Storage Conditions

Listeria can contaminate fruits and vegetables and cause serious infections. It can lead to fever, muscle aches, nausea, and diarrhoea. The CDC highlights that Listeria can be extremely dangerous for pregnant women, potentially causing miscarriages, stillbirths, or severe infections in newborns.

Health Concerns:

• Causes fever, muscle aches, nausea, and diarrhoea.
• Risk of severe infections like meningitis and septicemia.
• Extremely dangerous for pregnant women, causing miscarriages or severe infections in newborns.

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Salmonella is commonly found on contaminated fruits and vegetables and can cause fever, diarrhea, stomach cramps, and vomiting. According to the CDC, Salmonella can lead to severe dehydration and complications like bacteremia (bacteria in the bloodstream).

Health Concerns:

• Causes fever, diarrhoea, stomach cramps, and vomiting.
• Risk of severe dehydration and bacteremia.
• Increased risk of severe illness and complications in children and pregnant women.

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Is a type of bacteria often found on raw vegetables and fruits. It can cause severe stomach cramps, diarrhoea, and vomiting. According to the centre for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), E. coli can lead to serious complications like hemolytic uremic syndrome (HUS), which can cause kidney failure.

Health Concerns:

• Causes severe stomach cramps, diarrhea, and vomiting.
• Potential for hemolytic uremic syndrome (HUS) leading to kidney failure.
• Higher risk of severe illness and complications in children and pregnant women.

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Staphylococcus Aureus can contaminate fruits and vegetables, especially when handled poorly. It can cause food poisoning symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, stomach cramps, and diarrhoea. The CDC notes that Staphylococcus Aureus can lead to more severe infections if the bacteria enter the bloodstream.

Health Concerns:

• Causes nausea, vomiting, stomach cramps, and diarrhoea.
• Risk of severe infections if bacteria enter the bloodstream.
• Higher risk of dehydration and severe infections in children and pregnant women.

Pure Guard Pro Removal Rate: 99.99%