Eating an organic diet for a week can cause pesticide levels to drop by almost 90% in adults, research from RMIT University has found.  The study, led by Dr Liza Oates found participants’ urinary dialkylphosphates (DAPs) measurements were 89% lower when they ate an organic diet for seven days compared to a conventional diet for the same amount of time. DAPs make up 70% to 80% of organophosphate pesticides.

Dr Oates said having the same people experience a large drop in organophosphate pesticide levels when consuming organic foods as opposed to conventional foods suggested most of these pesticides come from food consumption. However, she recognized it could come from other sources.