The truth is, no matter how you wash your non-organic fruits and vegetables, you are likely coming into contact with these cancer-causing agents. Keep in mind also that some plants absorb pesticides systemically, so no amount of washing will rid them of the poison. But riding to the rescue is the non-profit Environmental Working Group, which compiles a list each year of fruits and vegetables they test for pesticides and herbicides, the results of which they use to compile their “Dirty Dozen” list of the fruits and vegetables that carry the most residue.