The dangers of pesticides

hemp

The use of pesticides on U.S. produce and crops is nothing new, but the growing popularity of weed killers and dangerous chemical substances may create significant health risks for consumers. 

More than 18,000 lawsuits have been filed against Monsanto’s Roundup, a chemical weed killer developed and used by the company since the 1970s. Plaintiffs claim the pesticide can cause cancer and other health issues, and more than 1.8 million tons of glyphosate has been used on American crops since its introduction in 1974.

Even more alarming – almost 70 percent of produce grown in the nation contains some form of “pesticide residue,” according to the Environmental Working Group, a nonprofit organization that focuses on the safety of agricultural products, the importance of clean drinking water, toxic chemicals and corporate responsibility.

Each year, the EWG releases an extensive list of the “dirtiest” and “cleanest” foods that can be purchased in the produce aisle. 

Avocados, sweet corn and pineapples were named the least pesticide-ridden foods, while strawberries, spinach, kale, nectarines and apples were said to have the most pesticides. 

Kale, a leafy green often found in smoothies and salads, was found to be one of the most contaminated vegetables. More than 92 percent of kale samples contained two or more pesticides, and up to 18 different chemical pesticides were found on just a single sample. 

The USDA also identified 225 different pesticides and other pesticide products on fruits and vegetables regularly found in the produce aisle. The items were even washed and peeled before testing. 

Pesticides have been linked to numerous health problems, from short-term conditions like headaches and digestive problems to chronic diseases like cancer, endocrine disruption, asthma, autism, learning disabilities, birth defects, reproductive dysfunction, diabetes, Parkinson’s and Alzheimer’s diseases.

Pesticides are used by some hemp farmers, especially after the passing of last year’s 2018 Farm Bill, which legalized the sale of most hemp-based and some cannabis-based products. This can be dangerous, since pesticide residue can make its way into CBD creams, lotions, oils and tinctures.

1218 CBD products only contain hemp that’s grown without the use of pesticides. Additionally, we also use only natural and organic ingredients in our formulas, creating a safe and effective experience for consumers. Our products are also free of phthalates and parabens, two potentially harmful ingredients – phthalate exposure has been linked to reproductive abnormalities in baby boys, low testosterone levels in men and the early onset of puberty in girls, yet it can still be found in many shampoos, lotions, and body products.

Parabens, which can be found in many shampoos, conditioners, cosmetics and lotions, can disrupt hormone signaling in the body by acting as estrogen. A recent Harvard study even linked certain types of parabens to infertility in women. Propylparaben, isopropylparaben, butylparaben and isobutylparaben are some of the most harmful types found in many items that can be purchased at your drugstore. 

We encourage consumers to shop smart – read the label of all personal care products before purchasing. Shop organic or grow your own food if possible. Be vigilant about what you put into your body. Trust us, your health will thank you. 

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