Children under 7 more vulnerable to pesticides

A new study in Environmental Health Perspectives reveals that children are more vulnerable to the toxicity of pesticides than adults, and for a longer period of time than previously believed. Children have significantly lower levels of paraoxonase, an enzyme that is crucial in protecting the body against the harms of certain pesticides. 

Paraoxonase helps the body neutralize and eliminate organophosphate pesticides, which are commonly used in agriculture. Previously, researchers thought the adult level of the enzyme was achieved by age two. This study indicates that the earliest the level is achieved is age seven, with average levels still being below adult average levels.

 Full Story: Environmental Health News