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Majority of the fruits and vegetables purchased in most of our markets have various levels of pesticides. Pesticides are used by farmers to enable fruits and vegetables yield in large quantities free from insects, becoming mouldy and being attacked by rodents. These chemicals, however, pose great health risks to humans, especially children. Neurological, gastrointestinal, endocrine and hormonal problems have all been linked to pesticides. Getting rid of pesticide residue is vital for a healthful diet and healthy body. Agricultural pesticides do not come off in running water as we have been told. If it did, farmers would have to apply them again after each rain or even heavy dew. Pesticides are made such that, they get stuck to the fruits and vegetables and are insoluble in water. Pesticides are generally a chemical or biological agent that deters, incapacitates, kills or otherwise discourages pests and have been found to leave residues of organophosphates, organ chlorines and pyrethroids in soils and vegetables and fruits where it has been applied. Organo are classified by United States Environmental Protection Agency as highly or moderately toxic. They interfere with the nervous system by inhibiting an enzyme called acetylecholinesterase leading to an immediate neurological dysfunction. Symptoms of acute exposure include nausea, headaches, twitching, trembling, excessive salivation and tearing, inability to breathe because of paralysis. Long term exposure has been found to have adverse effect on male fertility as it impacts on the human reproductive system. It has also been found to affect the brain. Chronic effects from pesticides exposure are eye problems, dermatological problems, respiratory problems, neurologic disorders and kidney and gastrointestinal abnormalities. (Antle and Pingali 1994) According to the Stockholm convention on persistent organic pollutants, nine of the 12 most dangerous and persistent organic chemicals are pesticides. These persistent organic pollutants are organic compounds that are resistant to environmental degradation through chemical, biological and photolytic processes. Because of this, they have been observed to be persistent in the environment, and capable of accumulating in human and animal tissue and to have significant impact on human health and the environment. To rid fruits and vegetables off pesticides, the following methods may be applied Using sea salt Mix fine grains of 1 teaspoon of sea salt in a cup of fresh water. Wash the produce thoroughly with running water. Soak the washed produce for 5-10 minutes in the sea solution and then rinse repeatedly in fresh water before use. Using white vinegar Measure about one and a half cups of water in a pan and dilute it with a cup of vinegar. Wash the produce thoroughly with running water. Soak the washed produce for 5-10 minutes in the vinegar solution and then rinse repeatedly in fresh water before use. Let all be health conscious and do the little that we can to protect both our families, loved ones and friends from the numerous side effects of pesticides on our foods. - See more at: http://graphic.com.gh/news/health/21198-how-to-get-rid-of-pesticides-on-foods.html#sthash.CCFyz6H2.dpuf