Health Risks Associated with Atrazine in Corn
Atrazine is a widely used herbicide in corn production, and its residues have been linked to various health problems. The consumption of corn and corn-based products contaminated with atrazine has been associated with an increased risk of several health issues, including endocrine disruption, reproductive problems, and certain types of cancer.[1]
Endocrine Disruption
Atrazine is known to be an endocrine disruptor, which means it can interfere with the normal functioning of the endocrine system. Studies have shown that atrazine exposure can lead to changes in hormone levels, including estrogen and testosterone.[2] [3] In a study published in the journal Environmental Research, researchers found that women living in areas with high atrazine levels in their drinking water had increased menstrual cycle irregularity and decreased estrogen levels.[4]
Reproductive Problems
Atrazine exposure has been linked to reproductive problems in both males and females. In males, atrazine has been shown to decrease sperm count and motility, while in females, it has been associated with irregular menstrual cycles and reduced fertility.[5] [6] A study published in the journal Toxicology and Applied Pharmacology found that atrazine exposure during pregnancy can lead to changes in fetal development and reproductive problems in offspring.[7]
Cancer Risks
Some studies have suggested a link between atrazine exposure and an increased risk of certain types of cancer, including breast cancer and prostate cancer.[8] [9] A study published in the journal Environmental Health Perspectives found that exposure to atrazine was associated with an increased risk of breast cancer in women.[10]
Other Health Risks
In addition to endocrine disruption, reproductive problems, and cancer risks, atrazine exposure has been linked to other health issues, including respiratory problems, kidney damage, and low birth weight.[11] [12] [13]
Reducing Exposure to Atrazine
To minimize exposure to atrazine, consumers can take several steps, including choosing organic corn and corn-based products, washing produce thoroughly, and avoiding foods with high levels of atrazine residues.[14] By making informed choices, consumers can reduce their exposure to atrazine and potentially lower their risk of associated health problems.
Authoritative Sources
- Atrazine Fact Sheet. [National Pesticide Information Center]↩
- Hayes, T. B., et al. (2011). Demasculinization and feminization of male gonads by atrazine: Effects on MT1 and MT2 mRNA expression. [Environmental Health Perspectives]↩
- Cragin, L. A., et al. (2011). Menstrual cycle characteristics and reproductive hormone levels in women exposed to atrazine in drinking water. [Environmental Research]↩
- Cragin, L. A., et al. (2011). Menstrual cycle characteristics and reproductive hormone levels in women exposed to atrazine in drinking water. [Environmental Research]↩
- Hayes, T. B., et al. (2011). Demasculinization and feminization of male gonads by atrazine: Effects on MT1 and MT2 mRNA expression. [Environmental Health Perspectives]↩
- Stanko, J. P., et al. (2012). Effects of atrazine on pubertal development and reproductive hormones in male rats. [Toxicology and Applied Pharmacology]↩
- Stanko, J. P., et al. (2012). Effects of atrazine on pubertal development and reproductive hormones in male rats. [Toxicology and Applied Pharmacology]↩
- Kettles, M. A., et al. (1997). Triazine herbicide exposure and breast cancer incidence: An ecologic study of Kentucky counties. [Environmental Health Perspectives]↩
- Hossain, M. S., et al. (2017). Atrazine exposure and prostate cancer risk: A systematic review and meta-analysis. [Environmental Research]↩
- Kettles, M. A., et al. (1997). Triazine herbicide exposure and breast cancer incidence: An ecologic study of Kentucky counties. [Environmental Health Perspectives]↩
- Hoppin, J. A., et al. (2017). Pesticides are associated with allergic and non-allergic wheeze among male farmers. [Environmental Health Perspectives]↩
- Lebov, J. F., et al. (2016). Pesticide use and risk of end-stage renal disease among licensed applicators in the Agricultural Health Study. [Occupational and Environmental Medicine]↩
- Rinsky, J. L., et al. (2018). Atrazine exposure and adverse birth outcomes in Ohio communities with high atrazine contamination in public drinking water. [International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health]↩
- Atrazine Fact Sheet. [National Pesticide Information Center]↩
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