Farmers' Kids Are Developing Growth Disorders From Pesticides
NonToxCo Research
Science & Safety Team · 4/6/2026
Children of farmers in Northwest Mexico are developing growth disorders from indirect pesticide exposure. The kids never step foot in the fields. The pesticides come home on dad's clothes, skin, and boots.
What the Study Found
A 2026 study found that indirect exposure to organophosphate pesticides is associated with growth disorders in children of farmers in Northwest Mexico. The children absorb pesticides through household contamination: residues on clothing, surfaces, and in household dust.
Organophosphates disrupt hormones that control growth, including thyroid hormones and growth hormone. Kids in farming families get chronic low-level exposure that accumulates over years.
What You Can Do
If anyone in your household works with pesticides: change clothes and shower before interacting with children. Leave work boots outside. Wash work clothes separately. Keep kids away from treated areas.
Browse our non-toxic baby products for safer children's options.
Also see glass food storage for safer alternatives.