I’m worried about the chemicals on my fruit!

Dear Phil:
I am interested in getting a description of the chemicals found in the pesticides on fruit. I have found a list of 189 different chemicals found in apples but cannot find a list telling me what they are expected to do; such as naphthaleneacetamide. I am willing to get to my library if it's not on the Web. Help! Thanks!
— F.B., California

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Dear F.B.:
I'm very happy you asked this question. (And you don't have to dig out that old library card after all!) Many people these days are wondering about the pesticides used to grow their favorite fruits. That said, it's not a simple or easy answer because the types of pesticides used vary by type of fruit and state (and, as you discovered, a single fruit may be treated with dozens of pesticides).

To answer your particular question, naphthaleneacetamide is not actually a pesticide; rather, it is a chemical used on apples as a plant growth regulator.  In other words, it diminishes the amount of non-fruit growth, thus making the apples larger and more plentiful because they are not having to compete as much with other plant growth — leaves and so forth — for nutrients. It is, however, often used in conjunction with pesticides, which, of course, are used to control insects. According to the Pesticide Action Network of North America — a group committed to getting rid of pesticides — naphthaleneacetamide has a "high acute toxicity," as defined by the World Health Organization (WHO). It is important to note, though, that this evaluation is of the pure chemical ingredient and does not necessarily that the products containing naphthaleneacetamide sprayed on plants are toxic. Indeed, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has approved it for use under controlled conditions.

For a great Web site where you can research pesticides and other chemicals used by type of fruit (crop) or by state, go to www.Pmcenters.org, which is the National Site for the USDA Regional Pest Management Centers Information System. (By the way, all imported produce — those avocados from Mexico and blueberries from Chile — must meet the same standards as domestic. However, there is concern that there are not enough inspectors to adequately verify that this is the case.)

The National Pesticide Information Center (NPIC), a cooperative effort between Oregon State University (OSU) and the EPA provides objective, science-based information about a variety of pesticide-related subjects, including pesticide products, recognition and management of pesticide poisonings, toxicology, and environmental chemistry. The NPIC also lists state pesticide regulatory agencies, and provides links to their Web sites. You can also contact them at: 1.800.858.7378 or by e-mail at npic@ace.orst.edu.

To learn more about this and other pesticide chemicals go to www.epa.gov/pesticides/about/types.htm, where you can also order specific information made available through the Freedom of Information Act or can download other EPA reports at no cost.

And remember, if you are concerned about the use of these and other chemicals, growers of USDA Certified Organic Produce are prohibited from using such compounds on their crops.

— Phil

Phil Lempert is food editor of the “Today” show. He welcomes questions and comments, which can be sent to Phil.Lempert@nbc.com. If he uses your question in one of his columns, it may be edited for length and clarity. (Your full name and e-mail address will not be used.) You can also visit his website at www.supermarketguru.com.