Add pesticides to health dangers

I am writing to express support for M. Grace Grzanek's April 26 letter titled "Small, local farms good for environment," and to highlight the detrimental effects of another agricultural additive: pesticides. Many people fail to realize just how prominent pesticides can be in the average person's life, and as a biochemistry student at Georgetown University, I have studied the physicochemical damage that pesticide exposure can result in.

According to the World Health Organization, subjection to pesticides may induce adverse health effects, including cancer, and can negatively impact the reproductive system. To avoid this, I urge those reading to educate themselves on the sources of their fruits and vegetables, and to substitute produce purchased from large grocery chains such as Kroger and Trader Joe's with produce sold at local farmers markets. Taking these precautions can lower a person's risk of developing pesticide-related health issues, and lead to a healthier lifestyle overall.

Samantha Kyriazakos

Palatine