Specific chemistries are used to protect crops from insects, weeds, fungi and other microbes. Legacy issues with some older pesticides led to restrictions or bans on their use. Unfortunately, suspicion remains around contemporary solutions, even though today's chemistries are highly  specific, with low toxicity to non-target organisms, including humans. Use of crop protection compounds is critical to all agriculture, including organic production. However, activist groups continue to manufacture fear, uncertainty and doubt to override what we really know about the detection of these compounds in food and the relative toxicity at levels found. Dr. Liza Dunn is an emergency medical doctor and toxicologist.  For the last several years she has been working with the Bayer Corporation, and has been a leading important conversations about pesticides, residues, and their potential for impacts on human health.
Follow her at @DrLizaMD

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