The Genius Life 441: The Dark Truth About Pesticides They Don’t Want You to Know | Carey Gillam
Nov 27, 2024
Carey Gillam, an investigative journalist with over 30 years of experience covering agriculture and health, dives deep into the secrets of the pesticide industry. She discusses how taxpayer money is used to discredit critics and the troubling ties between government and agrochemical companies. Gillam reveals the dangers of synthetic pesticides like Paraquat and their links to diseases such as Parkinson's. The conversation also emphasizes the importance of organic practices and encourages consumers to support local produce while advocating for transparency in food safety regulations.
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Paraquat Cover-Up
- Syngenta formed a "SWAT team" to suppress information about paraquat's link to Parkinson's disease, revealed in Carey Gillam's reporting.
- Paraquat, banned in several countries, is still used in the US despite links to the fastest-growing neurological disease.
Career Shift and Backlash
- Carey Gillam's career shifted from banking to agricultural journalism after Reuters relocated her to Kansas.
- She became embedded in the agricultural world, initially welcomed by companies like Monsanto, but faced backlash as her reporting revealed industry secrets.
Prioritizing Organic Purchases
- Prioritize buying organic versions of foods your family frequently consumes, especially those eaten whole or with the skin/peel.
- Balance cost concerns by choosing organic for higher-residue produce like berries and leafy greens, but not necessarily avocados or bananas.
