If it is true that we are what we eat, then we need to pay attention to the hidden things we consume on a daily basis.

Here's a rather scary list to consider.

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10 reasons to go organic

1 - Aldicarb

What is it? A systemic pesticide used in commercial agriculture to control pests such as aphids, whitefly and worms.

Hazardous effects: A gas leakage from an aldicarb manufacture plant was responsible for the Bhopal tragedy in 1984 in which 3,000 Indians were killed. Aldicard can affect a range of beneficial insects and is dangerous to birds and fish.

How to avoid it: In Britain, most aldicarb is used on potatoes, followed by sugar beet, carrots and parsnips, so opt for organic versions of these foods. Bananas and coffee could also contain it.

2 - Carbendazim

What is it? A fungicide (also known as benomyl) which blocks cell division in micro-organisms and in earthworms and other invertebrates. Used on arable and vegetable crops and as a post-harvest dip or dust. Sold for garden use under the name of Benlate.

Hazardous effects: Generally of low toxicity, but occupational exposure has been known to cause skin and eye irritation and in one report, headaches, diarrhoea and sexual dysfunction. Eye defects have occurred in offspring born to animals exposed to high doses of the fungicide.

How to avoid it: Out of season English apples are most likely to contain residues because of treatments during storage. Buying imported New Zealand apples gets round the problem.

3 - Carbaryle

What is it? An insecticide belonging to the same family as aldicarb, used on more than 100 crops worldwide. Also the active ingredient in prescription-only head lice preparations.

Hazardous effects: The UK as Advisory Committee on Pesticides, considers carbaryl a potential human carcinogen. It can only be applied to fruits a minimum of three weeks before harvest, but traces are still routinely found in food.

How to avoid it: Eat organic apples and pears as traces show up most commonly in these fruits. Use non-chemical methods (e.g. fine-combing) rather that carbaryl treatments for head lice.

4 - 2,4-D

What is it? It's a herbicide (full chemical name 2,4-dichlorophenoxy acetic acid) used for the control of broad leaf weeds in crops. It is also used to stop citrus fruits falling from the tree.

Hazardous effects: Despite decades of usage, there are still data gaps concerning 2,4-D's effects on human health and the environment. The main concern is water contamination and occupational exposure, which can lead to eye and skin irritation, weakness and fatigue.

How to avoid it: The most likely place to find 2,4-D is on the skin of oranges, grapefruit and clementines. Peeling removes it, but if you need to use the zest, buy organic fruit.

5 - Dicofol

What is it? An organochlorine chemical that kills mites.

Hazardous effects: It is highly toxic to aquatic life and can cause egg-shell thinning in some bird species. The US Environmental Protection Agency has also expressed concerns that dicofol may cause hormonal disruption, but this isn't proven.

How to avoid it: In the UK it is licensed for use on apples, pears, blackcurrants, strawberries and cucumbers, so choose organic versions.

6 - EBDCs

What are they? Ethylenebisdithio-carbamates (EBDCs) are a group of surface acting fungicides that control diseases such as blight, leaf spot, mildew and scab.

Hazardous effects: Ethylenethiourea (ETU) a breadown product of EBDCs, is a possible human carcinogen and produces thyroid disorders in animals given high doses. ETU can be produced when foods containing EBDCs are stored or cooked.

How to avoid them: It's worth buying organic dried fruit because residues of ETU have been know to exceed desirable levels in dried apricots. The 1998 report from the Government's Working Party can also be cause for concern.

7 - Organophosphates (Ops)

What are they? Op's are widely-used nerve poisons which kill the target pest through inhibiting the transmission of nerve impulses. Widely used in agriculture they are also found in household products and head lice treatments.

Hazardous effects: The World Health Organisation estimates that there are 20,000 unintentional deaths each year from pesticides and that a large proportion of these involves Op's. Acute toxicity cause excessive sweating, gastrointestional symptoms, headache, poor concentration and tremors. Chronic toxicity is thought to cause nerve damage and possible depression but whether small doses can result in cumulative poisoning is controversial.

How to avoid them: Minimise OP use around the home by swatting rather than spraying flies and insects, and if flea sprays are necessary on animals, using them outside. Avoid over-the-counter head lice preparations. Highest amounts of OP residues in foods have traditionally been in carrots - hence the advice to top, tail and peel them. But recently some red peppers from Spain were also found to have very high levels.

8 - Glufosinate

What is it? A broad-spectrum herbicide which works by interfering with photosynthesis in the plant. It is also used to desiccate (dry off) crops before harvest.

Hazardous effects: Ecologists are concerned about the lack of data on the impact of glufosinate on aquatic and terrestrial wildlife. There are concerns that it could leach into drinking water sources and be toxic to beneficial soil micro-organisms.

How to avoid it: Glufosinate is increasingly being targeted for use on GM crops, so avoid eating genetically modified foods. Potatoes and dried or processed peas are also relatively likely to have residues according to the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food.

9 - Lindane

What is it? An organochlorine pesticide now in restricted use due to its effects on health and persistence in the environment.

Hazardous effects: Lindane is linked with serious health problems, including a certain form of anaemia, breast cancer and possible hormone-distrupting (gender-bending) effects. Recently the UK banned its use as a seed treatment, but other countries have banned it altogether.

How to avoid it: Check the labels of ant and moth killers and wood preservatives for the words lindane or gamma HCH. Food-wise, choose organic dark chocolate as residues are common in the non-organic type.

10 - Pyrethroids

What are they? A group of insecticides used in agriculture and the home. They kill pests by affecting the normal function or nerve cells.

Hazardous effects: Pyrethroids are of low acute toxicity to birds and mammals, but chronic exposure is now thought to contribute to nerve and muscle symptoms and suppression of the immune system. Pyrethroids aren't persistent in soil, so contamination of food or water is unlikely.

How to avoid them: Look for ingredients such as phenothrin and permethrin in bugs sprays, flea removers and head lice shampoos. If there is a natural alternative, use it.

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