We all have some pesticide residues in our body, and the levels vary. One way that people are exposed to pesticides is from the foods they eat, specifically non-organic foods. Pesticides that people are exposed to can be measured in the blood and urine.
A recent review of 72 scientific studies found that people who eat an organic diet have lower pesticide levels in their urine. (Other pesticide exposures are from the environment around us, for example, garden and lawn pesticides.)
The study authors specifically looked at pesticide residues and metabolites of common pesticides such as organophosphates, pyrethroids, 2,4-D, and glyphosate. The most commonly mentioned pesticide residue was from pyrethroids, with 34% of studies finding it in urine. Keep in mind that only a limited number of pesticide residues were looked for. In reality, people are exposed to many more in life, including from non-organic foods that they eat.
Looking at the studies, the researchers found a massive reduction in pesticide residues when an organic diet is adopted. For example, phenol and phosphonate herbicide levels drop 41% to 100% in the studies, and pyrethroid metabolites dropped 16% to 100% [Note: each study had different drops in pesticide residues.]
And yes, you want lower levels of pesticide residues in your body for health reasons. For example, pyrethroids have been associated with numerous health harms, including cancer, endocrine disruption, and reproductive effects.
Bottom line: To lower pesticide levels in your body, eat as many organic foods as possible.
Excerpts from Beyond Pesticides: Review of Pesticide Residues In Urine, Lower Concentrations With Organic Diet
A literature review, published this month in the Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry, explores levels of pesticide residues found in samples of human urine with environmental exposure and dietary intake and confirms prior findings about the benefits of an organic diet. Similar to past findings, lower concentrations of chemicals are detected in the urine of participants who report eating an organic diet.
By analyzing 72 scientific research studies published between 2001 to 2023, the review assesses routes of exposure and “explores urinary concentrations and detection frequency of metabolites of organophosphates and pyrethroids, as well as herbicides such as 2,4-D and glyphosate,” the authors say.
While “exposure to pesticide residues is influenced by a variety of demographic factors, including occupation, agricultural practices, seasonal variations, residence, diet, age, and gender,” the authors say, the concentrations of pesticides and their metabolites in human urine highlights the disproportionate risk to certain groups as well as the overall threat to the health of humans and the environment. Pesticide exposure can occur from dermal/skin contact or inhalation, through residence or work, and with dietary intake.
“Pesticides in urine can be detected as parent compounds, specific metabolites corresponding to a specific pesticide, and nonspecific metabolites corresponding to pesticides chemical class, e.g., organophosphates,” the authors state....The research that the authors review use levels of pesticides or their metabolites as biomarkers detected in urine samples, as it is minimally invasive and easy to collect, to gauge human exposure. Other biomarkers have been utilized to detect pesticides in hair.
Analyzing the results of the 72 studies reveals that 3-Phenoxybenzoid acid (3-PBA) is the primary metabolite detected in urine samples, as it is included in 34% of the studies. 3-PBA is a nonspecific metabolite of pyrethroid insecticides like deltamethrin, cypermethrin, and permethrin. A specific metabolite for the pyrethroid cypermethrin, known as DCCA (cis- and trans-(2,2-dichlorovinyl)-2,2-dimethylcyclopropane-1-carboxylic acid), was also commonly detected. Pyrethroids have been associated with cancer, endocrine disruption, reproductive effects, neurotoxicity, skin irritation, kidney and liver damage, and birth/developmental effects.
Diethyl phosphate and dimethyl phosphates, nonspecific metabolites of organophosphate insecticides, are detected in 32% of the studies. 3,5,6-Trichloro-2-pyridinol (TCPy), a specific metabolite of the organophosphate chlorpyrifos and chlorpyrifos-methyl, is included in 31% of the studies. Chlorpyrifos, and many other pesticides within the organophosphate class, are also linked to cancer, endocrine disruption, reproductive effects, neurotoxicity, skin irritation, kidney and liver damage, and birth/developmental effects. Studies highlight the impact of chlorpyrifos exposure to brain function damage, respiratory diseases and diabetes, and depression and suicide.
Glyphosate and its metabolite aminomethylphosphonic acid (AMPA), as well as 2,4-D, are additionally included in several studies. These chemicals are also well-documented for causing oxidative stress and cancer, as well as many other detrimental effects. Beyond Pesticides has reported on these health impacts extensively here and here.
Higher concentrations of metabolites, such as 2-Isopropyl-6-methyl-4-pyrimidol (IMPy), TCPy, and ethylene thiourea (ETU), “were significantly associated with a higher incidence of behavioral issues, such as social difficulties, thought-related problems, and rule-breaking symptoms,” the authors share. “These findings suggest a potential relationship between pesticide exposure and epigenetic changes, as well as behavioral and neurobiological impacts.” See more studies on these health effects here and here.
...While farmworkers generally have higher pesticide exposure, many of the studies within this literature review find that adopting organic farming practices can reduce the levels of pesticides detected in their urine. ...