For organic consumers, the perk of eating foods that do not use pesticides during their growth process is a major perk.  Research, although most has been done recently, suggests that many diseases are linked to pesticide use.  A wide range of illnesses and cancers has been investigated and evidence supports a link between inorganic foods’ growing methods and these sicknesses. As consumers become more aware of this evidence, organic food growers expect to experience an incline in their products’ sales.

Cancers have been linked to pesticide use.  Childhood cancer rates are on the rise.  The most common cancers that may be caused by pesticide exposure are leukemia, brain cancer, lymphoma, and testicular/ovarian cancer.  Adults are also at greater risk when they reside in areas that are known for inorganic farming.  Because of methods used to grow this kind of produce, people encounter airborne pesticides on a daily basis.

Birth defects and problems with reproduction have risen in recent years.  Although documentation of these problems has not been linked directly to pesticide use, scientists suspect pesticides have contributed to these incidents.  Whether through food, direct pesticide contact, or exposure through a variety of farming materials, chlorpyrifos will cause defects in fetuses.  It is the most common pesticide on produce but is also used to kill fleas, termites, and roaches.  The percentage of children with limb reduction defects or cleft palates rises significantly for mothers that reside in areas with heavy pesticide use.

Asthma has been observed in farmers that use pesticides on their produce as well.  Documentation supports the rise in asthmatic symptoms such as heavy and difficult breathing, wheezing, and uncontrollable coughing.  Pesticides can also be present on clothing and household items, so the increase in asthma can occur in family members of farmers or those who have direct contact with pesticides.