See how long pesticides stick around on your produce and in your home. Get science-backed tips to reduce your family's exposure.
This tracker is based on USDA Pesticide Data Program (PDP) testing data and published half-life research from peer-reviewed journals. The half-life values represent averages across typical storage and environmental conditions. Real-world persistence can vary based on temperature, sunlight, humidity, and how the produce was handled. Think of this as a science-backed estimate, not an exact measurement.
Yes. Plain running water removes about 30-50% of surface pesticide residues. A 15-minute soak in baking soda water (1 teaspoon per 2 cups) has been shown to remove 80-96% of common pesticides in studies published in the Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry. Peeling removes even more, but you also lose beneficial fiber and nutrients in the skin.
Not necessarily. Prioritize organic for the Dirty Dozen items that carry the highest pesticide loads. For Clean Fifteen items like avocados, pineapple, and onions, conventional is generally fine. The most important thing is eating plenty of fruits and vegetables. Any produce is better than no produce, even if it is not organic.
Indoor and pet pesticides often have much longer half-lives than produce pesticides because they are not exposed to sunlight and rain that break chemicals down naturally. A flea fogger or roach spray can leave residues on surfaces for weeks or months. If you use indoor pest control, ventilate thoroughly and clean all surfaces where children play or eat.