Pesticides have changed—but only because science and regulation forced them to.

In this episode, we explore how the creation of the EPA and modern regulatory frameworks reshaped pesticides into safer, more controlled tools—and why those protections are more important now than ever. We’ll break down how today’s pesticides are tested, regulated, and monitored, and why comparing them to chemicals from the past is scientifically misleading.

But safer doesn’t mean perfect. Weakening regulations puts families, communities, and future generations at risk. We’ll discuss why stronger oversight—not less—is essential and what happens when profit and politics interfere with science.

We’ll close with clear, science-based guidance on what families can do right now to protect themselves—without panic, guilt, or greenwashing—just facts, perspective, and practical choices.

References:

https://www.history.com/articles/dust-bowlhttps://www.pbs.org/wgbh/americanexperience/features/dustbowl-drought/#:~:text=The%20drought%20and%20misuse%20of%20land%20led,the%20land**%20led%20to%20the%20Dust%20Bowl

https://www.pbs.org/wgbh/americanexperience/features/dust-bowl-surviving-dust-bowl/

https://werehistory.org/black-sunday-and-the-american-dust-bowl/#:~:text=The%20storm's%20impact%20included:%20*%20**Destruction**%20The,dirt%20across%20100%20million%20acres%20of%20land

https://www.niehs.nih.gov/health/topics/agents/pesticides

https://kingcounty.gov/en/dept/dph/health-safety/environmental-health/healthy-water-air-soil/lead-toxics-program/facts-about-arsenic#:~:text=Arsenic%20does%20not%20decompose%2C%20biodegrade,soil%20unless%20it%20is%20removed.

https://www.ebsco.com/research-starters/history/american-farmers-increase-insecticide-use

https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC9279132/

https://www.everycrsreport.com/reports/RL32792.html#_Toc194633795

https://agriculture.sc.gov/wp-content/uploads/2019/05/FarmersMarketToolkit.pdf

Support the show

Thanks for tuning in to Nutrition Unmasked! I hope you enjoyed this episode and found it valuable. If you did, please consider subscribing, rating, and leaving a review. Your support helps us reach more listeners like you!

Join the conversation! We’d love to hear your thoughts and insights. Follow us on social media [TikTok @lizajacobs01, Instagram @JP_ProductGuru, Facebook Liza Jacobs Pepple] and share your favorite moments from today’s episode!

Stay connected for behind-the-scenes content, episode updates, and more engaging discussions.

Until next time, keep exploring, stay curious, and remember, don't let quackery dictate your plate!