Fruits, vegetables, and pesticides: Rating the best and worst of conventionally grown produce

The Environment Working Group (EWG) has compiled a list of 49 fruits and vegetables, and arranged them in order of "best" and "worst" with regard to pesticide use. [View the List]

Chemical pesticides are often used in agriculture, horticulture, forestry, and in home kitchens and gardens. But it's important to minimize exposure to them whenever possible. Pesticides are known to cause cancer, neurological disorders, and reproductive problems in humans. Pesticides also have harmful effects on groundwater when used persistently.