Pesticides play an important role in modern life. They help protect crops from insects and diseases and reduce the spread of mosquito-borne illnesses. At the same time, studies suggest that exposure to certain pesticides may have negative effects on long-term health. This isn’t cause for vilifying pesticides, though, and it certainly doesn’t mean you need to overhaul your diet or avoid fresh produce. Instead, consider making a few simple adjustments to your daily habits to reduce your overall exposure.

How significant is your pesticide exposure risk?

“There are many ways people can get exposed,” says Jeff M. Bronstein, MD, PhD, a neurologist at UCLA Health. The most common routes include inhalation, skin contact, and ingestion—but they don’t all carry the same level of risk. Learn more about each.

In farming and agriculture

In a recently published study, Dr. Bronstein and a team of researchers analyzed long-term pesticide exposure in California’s Central Valley, where about 20% of all agricultural pesticides in the U.S. are applied. They found that certain pesticides are associated with a higher risk of Parkinson’s disease in people with long-term exposure to heavily sprayed areas. For one pesticide in particular, chlorpyrifos, the risk of developing Parkinson’s was about 2.5 times higher in people exposed long-term. If you’re a frequent golfer, it’s also worth noting that golf courses often use substantial amounts of pesticides for turf maintenance, according to a 2025 study.

In food

The science is still evolving on how much casual, low-level exposure through food contributes to your risk of developing a pesticide-related health condition, but it appears to be tiny compared to the agricultural exposure studied by Dr. Bronstein.

At home

In addition to food and commercial agricultural exposure, you may also encounter pesticides in your yard and home. For instance, about three-quarters of American households used at least one pesticide product indoors over the past year to kill insects, rodents, fungi, or other pests, according to the EPA. Plus, people can track pesticides indoors through contaminated soil or dust on clothing and shoes, which increases pesticide exposure for everyone in your household, especially for infants and children, who spend more time on the floor and are more likely to put their hands in their mouths.

What can you do to lower your pesticide exposure?

Wear gloves and a mask when applying pesticides indoors or outdoors, as research shows protective gear significantly reduces the amount of chemicals you’re exposed to during application, says Dr. Bronstein. It’s also important to avoid using pesticides near children, pets, toys, food, or water.

If you’re using them outdoors, don’t spray on windy or rainy days to prevent them from accidentally drifting into these places. It’s also smart to remove your shoes when indoors, especially if you have little kids running or crawling around.

Which types of produce have the most pesticide residue?

Some fruits and vegetables are more likely to have detectable pesticide residues than others, according to USDA monitoring data. Generally, produce with thin peels, such as strawberries, kale, apples, and grapes, tends to show higher pesticide levels. Meanwhile, produce with thicker peels, such as avocados, bananas, and pineapples, typically shows lower levels.

Levels can vary slightly by season, but it’s important to remember that “all conventional produce remains well below EPA safety limits, so you can confidently enjoy a wide variety of fruits and vegetables, which provide essential vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants,” says Mackenzie Burgess, RDN, a recipe developer at Cheerful Choices.

If you’re still worried, shop strategically. “If you’re concerned with minimizing pesticide exposure, choosing organic produce—especially for items you eat with the skin on—is a good option,” says Burgess. “Whether you choose conventional or organic, always remember to wash your produce thoroughly.”

How to properly wash your produce

Washing fruits and vegetables helps remove dirt, bacteria, and some pesticide residue, says Burgess. Here’s how to properly clean common fruits and vegetables:

  • Leafy greens: Rinse in a strainer under cold running water. Then use a salad spinner to remove excess water.
  • Berries: Rinse under cold water right before eating. To extend freshness, soak them in a mixture of three cups of water to one cup of apple cider vinegar, then rinse and dry thoroughly before refrigerating.
  • Soft-skin fruits: Gently run them under soft water pressure. Avoid harsh scrubbing that can damage their nutrient-rich skin.
  • Root vegetables: These grow underground and often carry visible dirt. If you’re not peeling them, use a soft brush under cold running water to scrub away soil.
  • Thick-skinned produce: Even if you plan to peel avocados, bananas, onions, or oranges, wash them first. When you slice through unwashed skin, bacteria or residues can transfer from the knife into the edible portion.

The bottom line

While concerning, the evidence linking pesticides to diseases such as Parkinson’s is strongest in people with high, chronic exposure, such as agricultural workers or residents of heavily sprayed regions. For everyday consumers, exposure from properly washed produce is generally low and within federal safety limits. Still, simple steps can help: Consider organic options for thin-skinned fruits and vegetables, wash your produce thoroughly, minimize home pesticide use, and wear protective gear if you choose to use pesticides.