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Category: pesticides

Published on Leave a comment on Our Pets Are Early Warning Systems For Pollutants

The NY Times recently published a nice article on how our pets are sensitive to the same pollutants in the environment as humans, and can act as early warning systems or sentinels. This is because they respond faster and are more sensitive than humans to many pollutants - whether in the air (air pollution), in household dust, water, or on the ground and lawns.

Since they live shorter lives than us, negative effects, such as cancers, show up faster in pets than in humans. For example, they get the same cancers as us from lawn pesticides us, but years faster. A recent study found that on days with an increase in air pollution (from fine particulate matter) pet dogs and cats significantly increase veterinary visits.

Do go read the whole article. Excerpts from NY Times: In a Toxic World, Pets Could Be Vital Health Watchdogs

On a frigid February night in 2023, a freight train carrying toxic chemicals derailed in East Palestine, Ohio. For days, the train’s hazardous contents spilled into the surrounding soil, water and air. It was an environmental and public health catastrophe, and efforts are underway to monitor the long-term health effects on the people of East Palestine.

But one team of scientists is focused on a different group of local residents: the dogs. After the derailment, the researchers recruited dog owners in and around East Palestine, asking them to attach chemical-absorbing silicone tags to their pets’ collars. ...continue reading "Our Pets Are Early Warning Systems For Pollutants"

Published on Leave a comment on Weed-Killer Glyphosate and Cancer

Remember when back in 2015 the IARC (International Agency for Research on Cancer) said that the pesticide glyphosate (the active ingredient in Roundup) is a probable human carcinogen (cancer causing)? And the American chemical industry and FDA pooh-poohed that? Well, there have been a number of studies since then finding that yes, glyphosate results in tumors and other health harms, and is cancer causing (carcinogenic).

Glyphosate is a commonly used herbicide (weed killer), the most used herbicide in the world. Its use has been increasing annually, especially due to the increase in genetically modified crops being grown.

In the latest study, an international team of researchers found that long-term daily exposure (starting prenatally and continuing after birth) to low glyphosate levels considered "safe" by government agencies resulted in multiple benign and malignant tumors, and increased rates of early death in the rats after birth. Yes, the study was done with rats, but... they are mammals, just like us humans. Rats are frequently used in studies to assess chemical safety.

The doses used in the study are currently considered safe by regulatory agencies and correspond to the EU Acceptable Daily Intake (ADI) and the EU’s No Observed Adverse Effect Level (NOAEL) for glyphosate. By the way, European standards are STRICTER than USA standards. A person eating a typical diet with non-organic foods easily ingests the levels considered acceptable by European governing bodies, and in the US ingests even more. [NOTE: Eat organic foods to avoid glyphosate.]

From Environmental Health News: Common pesticide causes multiple malignant tumors in rats

In short: Exposure to glyphosate herbicides caused multiple benign and malignant tumors in rats, including leukemia and cancers of the skin, liver, thyroid, nervous system, ovary, uterus, and kidneys, among others. ...continue reading "Weed-Killer Glyphosate and Cancer"

Published on Leave a comment on Bees Are Attracted to Mint Flowers

There have been so few bees in my garden the last few years that I get excited when I see one. This bee seems to really like the flowers of my mint plant.

Yes, it is an invasive plant that gardeners are warned about. But bees are attracted to the plant because the nectar and pollen are food for them and their hive.

Another herb that attracts bees is oregano. A big plus is that both mint and oregano plants are ignored by the numerous local deer.

By the way, the bee and butterfly numbers are so diminished in my neighborhood due to all the pesticides being used on lawns and plants. Pesticides = kills bees and butterflies

Published on Leave a comment on The Pesticides We’re Exposed to Disrupt the Gut Microbiome

Millions of pounds of pesticides are used each year in the US: on farms, in buildings and homes, on lawns, in pet flea and tick products - basically everywhere. And so the pesticides eventually wind up in us - from the foods we eat, the water we drink, the air we breathe (when pesticides drift during applications or when used indoors), and the treated lawns and ground we walk on.

We are continuously exposed to low levels of multiple pesticides, but it is unknown what this does to us. Recently, a study examined the effect of multiple pesticide exposures on gut health and found that they killed off many beneficial (good) bacteria and had harmful alterations on gut bacteria metabolism. Uh-oh.

Bottom line: Many studies show that we can quickly (within 2 weeks) reduce the amount of pesticides (pesticide residues) in our bodies by eating as many organic foods as possible. Also, use nontoxic IPM (Integrated Pest Management) in the home, and reduce pesticide use in and out of the home (on lawns and gardens).

From Beyond Pesticides: Study Maps the Gut Microbiome and Adverse Impacts of Pesticide Residues

Researchers developed a novel tool* in a recent study published in Nature Communications this year that successfully creates a map of the “pesticide-gut microbiota-metabolite network,” identifying “significant alterations in gut bacteria metabolism.”

...continue reading "The Pesticides We’re Exposed to Disrupt the Gut Microbiome"

Published on Leave a comment on Dogs Pollute Water With Flea and Tick Treatments

Flea and tick treatments using the insecticides fipronil and imidacloprid are commonly used on pet dogs, whether as spot-on treatments or collars. However, many people have concerns over whether the pesticides come off the dog and get into the environment or even on the people interacting with the dog. And how about dogs that sleep in the same bed with their owners?

A recent study is adding to the growing body of evidence that says we are right to be concerned - that yes, insecticides used on dogs, whether spot-treatments or flea collars, do come off for days. In this latest study, scientists applied spot-on treatments of either fipronil and imidacloprid to 49 dogs.

After 5, 14, and 28 days the dogs were immersed in water for 5 minutes and the levels of the pesticides in the water were measured. Yikes! The pesticides were detected in 100% of all water samples. In fact, even at day 28 it was quite a bit  - exceeded safe levels. The researchers said that after being treated, that dogs should not go swimming in water for 4 weeks (far longer than the current 4 day pesticide guidelines).

The study results could explain why these 2 pesticides are contaminating water bodies (e.g., ponds). The researchers write:

"Recent reports reveal widespread fipronil and imidacloprid contamination of fresh waters in the UK despite restrictions on agricultural use, frequently occurring at concentrations that ecotoxicity studies have shown can harm aquatic life.13-15 ... New research has shown that ‘down-the-drain’ household transfer from treated pets, and subsequent entry via wastewater, is a major source of fipronil and imidacloprid freshwater pollution.17 High concentrations and strong positive correlations with dog swimming activity have also been demonstrated in dog swimming ponds, indicating that dog swimming is a further source of surface water pollution.18"

To get a sense of how toxic these 2 pesticides are: both insecticides are banned in the EU for agricultural use, and even have restrictions in agricultural use in the US. Yet, they are commonly used on our pets. Even when taken orally (pills), the dogs excrete the pesticides in their feces and urine, contaminating the environment. The researchers suggest only treating pets when needed with these pesticides, and not when there isn't a need (in other words, don't do "routine prevention" if there isn't a need).

From an article by Michael Le Page in New Scientist: Dogs pollute water with pesticides even weeks after flea treatment

If your dog will jump in the nearest river, pond or lake given half a chance, don’t use spot-on treatments for fleas and ticks, say researchers.

A study has shown that when dogs are immersed in water, their skin and fur can release levels of the active ingredients harmful to aquatic wildlife and the animals that eat them – including birds – for up to 28 days after treatment. ...continue reading "Dogs Pollute Water With Flea and Tick Treatments"

Published on Leave a comment on Chemicals of Concern Found In the Bodies of Young Children

Once again, those wondering about the chemicals lurking inside us have bad news. In a long-running study, researchers tested 201 young children (aged 2 to 4 years old) and found that all of them have many dangerous chemicals ("chemicals of concern") in their bodies. Some of the chemicals were in higher levels in the children than in their mothers during pregnancy.

In this study pregnant women from 4 states had their urine analyzed, and later the urine of their children when they were 2 to 4 years old. The testing of blood and urine from a person and looking for certain chemicals is called biomonitoring.

The researchers only looked for  111 chemicals and found that at least 5 children had 96 of them detected in their urine. Over 50% of the children had 48 chemicals detected. Thirty four of the chemicals were detected in over 90% of the children. But keep in mind that they only looked for a limited number of chemicals. Some of the chemicals found are not being monitored in adult biomonitoring. Many chemicals we are routinely exposed to, such as the common pesticide glyphosate (found in many non-organic foods) were not looked at.

One trend the researchers found is that levels of 2,4-D (pesticide used as a herbicide or weed-killer) are trending upwards over time. This is because 2,4-D is commonly used as a weed-killer on lawns (including Feed and Weed) and elsewhere, but it is also used on genetically modified crops.

The 111 chemicals tested for are from the foods and beverages children (and adults) ingest, personal care products (e.g., soap, lotion), the chemicals used in the home (e.g., pesticides, cleaning products) or chemicals outgassing from products used in the home (e.g., from non-stain synthetic rugs, plastic toys, vinyl floors). Children are exposed to the chemicals when they breathe indoor and outdoor air, eat food, touch surfaces or objects - both indoors and outdoors.

Bottom line: Eat as many organic foods as possible (pesticides such as 2,4-D and glyphosate are not allowed in organic food production). Additional tips: Lifestyle tips for avoiding harmful chemicals.

Excerpts from Science Daily: Researchers tested 200 toddlers — 96 chemicals were lurking in their bodies

A national study published in Environmental Science & Technology finds children aged 2 to 4 years in the United States are routinely exposed to a broad range of potentially harmful chemicals. Many of the chemicals the researchers identified are not routinely monitored and may pose health risks. ...continue reading "Chemicals of Concern Found In the Bodies of Young Children"

Published on Leave a comment on Living Near A Golf Course Increases Risk of Parkinson’s Disease

Many people think that living next to a golf course is wonderful, thinking that it's lots of open space. But... it also comes with exposure to all the pesticides used on golf course lawns (pesticides drift through the air to neighboring properties and also get into water). Unfortunately, pesticides can cause health harms, including Parkinson's disease.

A recent study found that the closer a person lives next to a golf course, the higher the incidence of Parkinson's disease. In fact, living within a mile of a golf course is associated with a 126% increased risk for Parkinson's disease. The biggest risk was for individuals living 1 to 3 miles from a golf course.

Additionally, drinking water from groundwater that includes a water source from a golf course was associated with an almost two-fold increased risk for Parkinson's disease (due to drinking water contamination).

While this observational study showed an association with Parkinson's disease, other studies also show that exposure to certain pesticides increases the risk of Parkinson's disease. Some of the pesticides linked to increase risk of Parkinson's disease: 2,4-D, chlorpyrifos, MCPP, maneb, paraquat, and rotenone. (Note that pesticides such as 2,4-D are also commonly found in feed and weed products.)

Another disturbing thing to keep in mind is that American golf courses use greater amounts and more pesticides, including pesticides that are banned in Europe, compared to European golf courses. Just think of weed-free carpet-like lawns as poison lawns.

Excerpts from Medical Xpress: Golf course proximity linked to higher Parkinson's disease risk

Barrow Neurological Institute and Mayo Clinic-led researchers report an association between living near golf courses and increased Parkinson's disease (PD) risk in a study published in JAMA Network Open. ...continue reading "Living Near A Golf Course Increases Risk of Parkinson’s Disease"

Published on Leave a comment on Pesticide Industry Doesn’t Want To Disclose Pesticide Harms Or Allow Lawsuits

The following news should concern everyone. So far 2 states (North Dakota and Georgia) have passed laws protecting pesticide companies from lawsuits, referred to as "immunity from litigation".

What this means is that if a harm is not on the pesticide label, then people can't sue about other not mentioned or hidden harms. This is even if the companies deliberately hid harms that occur to people using or exposed to the products - referred to as "failure to warn".

Yikes! What is on the pesticide labels (and registered with the EPA) typically are short-term harms from acute exposure (that is, short-term intense exposure), such as rashes, eye irritation, headaches. Potential long-term health harms from chronic or multiple exposures, such as cancer (e.g., non-Hodgkin's lymphoma), birth defects, fertility issues, neurological harms (e.g., Parkinson's disease) are generally not on the labels.

By the way, the harms that are listed on labels are what the pesticide companies themselves tell the EPA. The EPA does NOT conduct its own research. All of this is a strategy by pesticide companies to avoid having to pay out settlements. They want to deny victims (people harmed by pesticides) access to courts to hold corporations accountable for harms caused by their products.

What makes this legislation especially frightening is that "immunity from legislation" sets a dangerous precedent for claims against any manufacturers of products with toxic ingredients. With the passage of this legislation, do you think pesticide companies will feel any duty to reveal harms from their products? Hah!

This legislation is moving forward in a number of other states (e.g., North Carolina Iowa, Missouri). If it's in your state, do your best to oppose and stop legislation that will shield pesticide manufacturers from being sued by people who were harmed by their products. Ordinary people and consumer groups do NOT support this legislation. Of course not.

The following are several articles that discuss this issue, including opinions of farmers (they want to be able to sue manufacturers of pesticides, if harmed).

From Beyond Pesticides: Industry Effort to Quash Lawsuits for Failure to Disclose Hazards Defeated in 9 States, Eyes on North Carolina

Hub for status of failure-to-warn, from Beyond Pesticides: Failure-to-Warn and status details for each state: Failure-to-warn resources and bills

Article describing views of farmers injured by pesticides from Investigate Midwest: Pesticide manufacturers ask lawmakers for immunity from lawsuits by sick farmers 

Another article (from Feb. 2025) describing views of farmers: Farmers ‘very worried’ as US pesticide firms push to bar cancer diagnoses lawsuits

Published on Leave a comment on Exposures to Pesticides and Childhood Cancer Risk

The US is awash in pesticides - whether used on farms, in homes, on lawns, right-of-ways, on flea collars, etc., etc. They are used for specific reasons (e.g., to kill specific pests or weeds), but they also cause harms. People have more exposure to pesticides than they realize, and this results in health harms, especially to children and during pregnancy.

For example, people are exposed when there is drifting of pesticides to non-target areas when applied, or there is contamination of drinking water, or from the pesticide residues in the foods we eat, touching dogs wearing flea collars, or when children play on treated lawns.

A large study found that exposure to multiple pesticides results in an increased risk of childhood cancers - brain cancer by 36%, leukemia rates by 23%, and overall pediatric cancer rates by 30%. The study was done in Nebraska, the state with the second highest cancer rates. Many scientists, and also researchers of the study, believe this is from extensive use of multiple pesticides on crops.

Unfortunately, the government only looks at exposure to one chemical at a time - not the mixtures we are exposed to on a daily basis. Also, the most toxic pesticides (dicamba, paraquat, glyphosate) are more regulated or banned in Europe, but not in the US. (Remember: $$$ first in the US).

Simple steps you can do to lower your pesticide exposure: 1) Eat as many organic foods as possible. Pesticide levels in the body will rapidly go down. 2) Use non-toxic Integrated Pest Management (IPM) or organic methods for pest problems. 3) Don't use pesticides on the grounds where you live. View lawns as having wildflowers (bee habitats!) and not weeds. 4) Take your shoes off at the door (so you don't track in pesticides). 5) Use some sort of water filter for drinking water if you suspect that there are pesticides in your water.

From The Guardian: Exposure to combination of pesticides increases childhood cancer risk – study

Exposure to multiple pesticides significantly increases the risk of childhood cancers compared with exposures to just one pesticide, first-of-its-kind research finds, raising new fears that children are more at risk to the substances’ harmful effects than previously thought. ...continue reading "Exposures to Pesticides and Childhood Cancer Risk"

Published on Leave a comment on Study Finds Common Pesticide Has Effect On Pregnancies and Babies

The US uses massive amounts of the pesticide glyphosate (commonly known as Roundup) on farms, the sides of roads, and even by homeowners on their properties. More than 127,000 tons of this weed-killer (herbicide) is used just on US farm fields! But studies, including this recent study, find that glyphosate is also linked to health harms, including lower weights and earlier birth of babies.

The recent research found that increased glyphosate applications on farm fields in the last two decades (especially due to genetically modified crops and preharvest use) has especially impacted pregnancies and babies born in rural areas of the United States. That is, pregnant women in farm areas are the most impacted by glyphosate - it's not just used on the fields nearby (they get exposed from pesticide drift), but also in the non-organic foods that they eat. Lower birthweights are generally considered a predictor of health problems (and higher health care costs).

Evidence for health harms from glyphosate are increasing each year, such as an increased risk of cancer (e.g., non-Hodgkin lymphoma), premature births, endocrine disruption, and even disruptions of the gut microbiome (it kills beneficial microbes in the gut, including such important keystone bacteria as Faecalibacterium prausnitzii.) The percentage of people with glyphosate detected in their urine, and the amount (concentration) has been rising over time. It can now be detected in almost all of us, including children.

By the way, the US allows much higher levels of glyphosate residue on foods than countries in other parts of the world, including Europe. But in Brazil it's even worse with levels much higher than in the US, and with higher rates of childhood cancer and infant mortality.

Organic food production does not allow the use of glyphosate. To lower glyphosate levels in your body - increase the amount  of organic foods that you eat.

Excerpts from Science: Common weed killer may be harming infants

Babies in rural counties of the United States that use a common weed killer are born slightly earlier and underweight, a large study finds. These changes, although small on average, could result in learning disabilities and an increased risk of infection, researchers reported last week in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, resulting in more than $1 billion in health care costs nationwide each year. ...continue reading "Study Finds Common Pesticide Has Effect On Pregnancies and Babies"