Pesticides have been around for over 2000 years (Beres 12).  They are used to repel insects from crops and plants, keeping them from being destroyed. Pesticides are present on most all fruits and vegetables but there are twelve fruits and vegetables that are known for having the highest amounts of pesticides.  In order of greatest to least, they are peaches, strawberries, apples, spinach, nectarines, celery, pears, cherries, potatoes, sweet bell peppers, raspberries and grapes (imported). The most common pesticides are Iprodione, Azinophos Methyl, and Phosmet (Dirty Dozen May End up on Your Dinner Plate).

The controversy around pesticide usage comes from its detrimental effect on humans and animals (Beres 11, Dirty Dozen May End up on Your Dinner Plate).   Iprodione is known as a carcinogen, which can cause cancer, while Azinophos Methyl has been proven to damage hormones in the human body.  Phosmet is the worst because it has the effects of Iprodione and Azinophos Methyl and also causes harm to the human reproductive system.  In addition, other negative effects of different pesticides in humans include damage to the brain, the immune system and the nervous system (Dirty Dozen May End up on Your Dinner Plate).

In 1989, word spread that a pesticide Alar, used on apples, had dangerous effects on the body.  People all over the United States were frightened and the New York City school district went as far as to pull apples off the menu (Beres 26).  The fact is, although people had reasons to be concerned, the measures they took were too drastic.  It has been found that not eating fruit in many ways may be more dangerous than eating fruits with pesticides (Beres 32- 34).   As an alternative to eating produce with pesticides, some people choose to eat organic produce, which contains no pesticides.  This eliminates risks but comes at a high cost (Beres 45-47).  A more cost effective alternative is to wash produce using such things as water, dish detergent, commercial fruit washes and even a vinegar/water solution.  The question still remains as to what is the best method (A Way to Wash Pesticides Off, Dirty Dozen May End up on Your Dinner Plate).