Exposure to pesticidal chemical sprays doubles the risk of developing asthma, researchers have found. In the first study of its kind, scientists discovered adults who come into contact with pesticides are at a higher risk of developing respiratory problems.

The findings will further heighten concerns about the impact of chemical sprays on food and the proximity of schools and homes to farms where they are used. In September 2007 an official report showed 2 per cent of food sold in Britain contains illegal levels of chemical pesticides. Traces were also found in a third of fruit, vegetables, milk and meat.

Five million Britons suffer from asthma and the number is growing. The condition afflicts nearly a million children, around one in ten. Past studies have linked asthma to second-hand tobacco smoke, poor diet and obesity. Traffic fumes and smoke have also been shown to worsen symptoms. The study of 20,000 American farmers was presented at the September 2007 European Respiratory Society’s annual congress in Stockholm.

Children who regularly eat junk food are nearly three times as likely to behave badly than those who avoid it completely, according to a recent Food for the Brain survey funded by organic food company Organix of more than 10,000 children.

The survey also linked good academic performance with a healthy diet containing plenty of vegetables, oily fish, whole grains, nuts, seeds and water. The scores of those eating a good diet gained 11 per cent higher marks than those eating a poor diet.

In the report parents were asked to rate their children’s behaviour on a scale of one to five; they also answered questions about their children’s eating habits and diet. Of those who ate fried, take away or processed foods every day, 44 per cent of children were thought to be poorly behaved. Only 16 per cent of those who never ate junk food were deemed to have poor behaviour. The average intake of dark green leafy vegetables and wholegrain food was a meager one a week and refined or processed foods were eaten on average twice a day.

Overall this report reveals a depressing picture of a nation of poorly fed children but it does show that the first step to improving academic performance may be by improving diet.

The heart benefits of whole grains such as oats and brown rice have long been known but a recent study found they can reduce the risk of other diseases too.

Chronic inflammation in body tissue is thought to contribute to illnesses including arthritis, heart disease and diabetes. In a 15 year study scientists from the University of Minnesota, USA monitored 42,000 menopausal women and found those who ate 11 or more servings of whole grains a week were one third less likely to die from an inflammatory disease. Scientists think the protective antioxidants in whole grains could account for the link, so load up on grains such as brown rice, oats, and rye.