Kale fans can rest easy knowing that pesticides used to grow kale are unlikely to end up at concerning levels in their salads or smoothies, according to a new chemical analysis conducted by researchers led by Johns Hopkins University. Although traces of pesticides and other compounds were found in Maryland-farmed kale, the levels were significantly below those that would pose health risks.
This reassuring news comes amid concerns about the presence of pesticides in kale, with nearly six out of ten kale samples contaminated with residues of a pesticide called DCPA, which the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) considers a possible human carcinogen. Known as Dacthal, DCPA was banned in Europe in 2009 due to health concerns. Despite this, it remains in use in the U.S., particularly on crops such as kale, broccoli, sweet potatoes, eggplant, and turnips.