In uk.rec.gardening Malcolm wrote:
: On Fri, 23 May 2003 11:22:10 GMT, Tim Tyler wrote:

:Rinsing with Tap Water
:======================

[...]

:In 1997 we initiated a research program whose objective was to examine the
:effect that the simple household technique of rinsing with tap water would
:have upon reducing pesticide residues in produce. A wide variety of crops
:that contained residues were examined.

[...]

:Data presented in this study show that a short rinse in tap water reduces
:pesticide residues on many types of produce (Table 1). Residues of
:vinclozolin, bifenthrin and chlorpyrifos were not reduced. This study also
:shows that the water solubility of pesticides does not play a significant
:role in the observed decrease. The majority of pesticide residue appears
:to reside on the surface of produce where it is removed by the mechanical
:action of rinsing (1).
:
: - http://www.caes.state.ct.us/FactShee...y/fsac003f.htm
:
:Washing with water /is/ an effective method of removing pesticide residues
:from the surface of produce. [...]

: Interesting stuff, something I have often been concerned about, I
: doubted the validity of a quick rinse and usually soak my hard fruits
: for a few hours prior to washing, of course this is not possible with
: soft fruit. I wondered about the effect of waxing on fruit, would this
: not seal the crap in as well, I find some waxes need a quick soak in
: the sink with a little detergent before coming off!

Waxed on pesticides may indeed be a problem:

``Most people think of only apples as being waxed with an unhealthy
petrochemical product. Debra Lynn Dadd lists the following produce as
sometimes being waxed so that it looks shinier:

carrots, organes, lemons, limes, apples, pears, plums, peaches, melons,
parsnips, tomatoes, green peppers, rutabagas, turnips, cucumbers,
grapefruits, and tangerines.

Sometimes pumpkins, squash, and eggplant are waxed.

I suggest avoiding waxed produce where possible or at least peeling the
produce. If a fumigant was applied to the produce, such as
ortho-phenylphenol, and the wax was then applied, the fumigant cannot be
washed off.''

- http://www.holisticmed.com/food.html

Apples, peppers and cucumbers are some of the most commonly waxed
fruit.

All are major pesticide hazzards - they all make the
"most toxic" list at:

http://www.ewg.org/pub/home/Reports/.../Chapter2.html
--
__________
|im |yler http://timtyler.org/