Certified organic tea is free of synthetic fertilizers, herbicides, and pesticides. Organic tea farming relies heavily on the natural breakdown of organic matter, using techniques like green manure and composting, to replace nutrients taken from the soil by previous crops. Organic tea agriculture combines tradition, innovation and science to benefit the shared environment and promote fair relationships and a good quality of life for all involved. Non Organic farming, or use of Synthetic pesticides are known to pose significant, acknowledged health risks to peopleincluding birth defects, damage to the nervous system; disruption of hormones and endocrine systems; respiratory disorders; skin and eye irritations; and various types of cancers. Herbicides have also been associated with certain cancers and Parkinsons Disease. Every year, new research demonstrates the toxicity of synthetic pesticides to human health and the environment, often at doses previously declared "safe" by the pesticide industry and the government. Many pesticides that were once allowed by the EPA have eventually been bannedyet in some cases the damage remains. DDT still exists in the environment and in the cells of Americans, 30 years after it was banned in the United States. In addition, synthetic chemicals are designed to stimulate production. While these methods may increase the yield of a crop, there is a cost of quality. An organic tea grower uses more natural processes to create a sustainable yield. These practices are reflected in the flavor of the tea, and a better nutritional content.