Chemically castrates

I just heard a talk by Dr. Tyrone B. Hayes, a researcher and prof in the Department of Integrative Biology at University of California at Berkeley. His data inspires me yet again to eat more locally and organically, and makes me want to spread the word about atrazine. Here’s a short bit:

“Atrazine is an herbicide (week-killer) primarily used on corn. Atrazine is the most common chemical contaminant of ground and surface water in the United States. It is a potent endocrine disruptor with ill effects in wildlife, laboratory animals and humans. Atrazine chemically castrates and feminizes wildlife and reduces immune function in both wildlife and laboratory rodents. Atrazine induces breast and prostate cancer, retards mammary development, and induces abortion in laboratory rodents. Studies in human populations and cell and tissue studies suggest that atrazine poses similar threats to humans.” [Peer-reviewed scientific studies to support these statements are summarized and can be viewed at http://www.atrazinelovers.com].

I was surprised to learn that enough atrazine returns to the earth in rainwater (.5 million pounds per year) at high enough concentrations to chemically castrate and feminize amphibians.

Some research gives current estimates that suggest atrazine increases crop yield by less than 2% (if at all). Dr. Hayes concludes:”This marginal benefit of this pesticide does not outweigh environmental and public health safety concerns.”

I agree. There’s lots more at Hayes’ web site (with sardonic name of atrazinelovers); it has everything you’d ever want to know (or rather-not-have-to-but-need-to know) about atrazine.

Exposure to this information has compelled me to write my legislators. The web site makes that easy – I just did it, as can you – simply follow the “ACT NOW!” link.