It is no mystery that pesticides are toxic to human life; 60 percent of herbicides, 90 percent of fungicides and 30 percent of insecticides are known to cause cancer.

• Pesticide use has increased 50-fold since 1950, and 2.5 million tons of industrial pesticides are now used each year.
• Many of the chemicals used in pesticides are persistent soil contaminants, whose impact may endure for decades, and adversely affect soil conservation.

Numerous studies have shown that pesticides may contribute to:

• Infertility
• Birth defects, miscarriages and stillbirths
• Learning disorders
• Aggressive behavior
• Cancer of the breast, prostate and lymphatic system

And evidence only continues to mount regarding the harm pesticides can do to your health. This is especially true for the farmers we rely on for our food. But they're not the only ones in danger; the average person carries around at least 13 harmful pesticides in their bodies, if not more.

The EPA already requires prescription drugs, foods and cosmetics to list inert substances, so not requiring it for pesticides makes no sense whatsoever. As the Attorney General of New York, Eliot Spitzer, pointed out, why require a listing of the ingredients that harm insects, but not those that harm people?

At least lindane, the carcinogenic pesticide that is currently also still used to treat head lice and scabies, will get the boot when its current license ends. But some EPA staff scientists worry nothing much will change following this 10-year review. They think that the corrupted and compromised FDA will continue to bend under pressure from big business interests.

While all the political wrangling is going on, please take responsibility for your own health by following some simple steps that can reduce your exposure to pesticides:

• Stay clear of processed foods and eat as many organic foods as you can.
• Simply avoid pesticides at all costs. Do NOT use them in your home or on your lawn. There is no reason to expose yourself or family to the major inrease in cancer they will cause.
• Avoid conventionally raised meats, one overlooked source.
• Consider a safer alternative to conventional insect repellants.