The relationship between pesticides in food and the occurrence of attention deficit disorder (ADD) and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) in school age children is considered. Pesticides include chlorinated hydrocarbons and organic phosphates that are commonly present in fruits and vegetables, which are a large part of the diet of children. A literature review considers nutrition, pesticides, diagnosis of learning problems, links between pesticides and learning problems, and treatments for ADD and ADHD. The influence of diet on neurotransmitters is addressed. Medical research is cited that links damage to neurotransmitters in the brain's frontal lobes and ADD/ADHD. Evidence showing that pesticides can damage brain cells is also presented. Problems with the detection of pesticide residues in foods are acknowledged. The treatment of ADD/ADHD has commonly been to medicate the child with stimulant drugs that affect the body's neurotransmitter chemicals, as well as tricyclic antidepressants and tranquilizers. Dietary treatment, behavior modification, and stress reduction therapies may be additional treatment options. Additional questions and implications regarding pesticide use and ADD/ADHD are posed. (Contains 30 references.) (SW)