And finally… bodies of the rich contain pesticides - because of golf

They also have more mercury in their systems because they eat a lot of seafood.

Whereas poor people have more toxic chemicals from air pollution and from living nearer to landfill sites.

Michael Depledge, Professor of Environmental and Human Health of Exeter University Medical School, broke the news to MPs this week as he briefed them on toxic chemicals in everyday products.

Professor Delpledge explained that the bodies of rich and poor are polluted by very different chemicals.

He said his study helped scientists ‘get a handle’ on the different mixtures of chemicals different groups in society face.

In recent years, golf courses have faced tougher legislation to reduce pesticide use in the UK.

One pesticide, chlorpyrifos, used to kill leatherjackets has been banned, as has carbendazim, a fungicide which is used to kill earthworms that produce casts.

However, golf as an active outdoor activity is considered by many to be beneficial for health – with the proviso that golfers walk around the course, rather than ride on buggies.

Environmentalists criticise golf courses for the large amounts of water used.

Professor Delpledge told MPs on the Environmental Audit Committee that he expected ‘huge resistance’ from the chemical industry to his concerns.