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Pesticides of Concern
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Chlorpyrifos: Neurological issues.
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Atrazine: Potential associations with end stage renal failure, renal cell carcinoma, movement and skull deformation.
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āMetam Sodium: Endocrine disruptor, developmental/reproductive toxicity and cancer risks.
Chlorpyrifos graphic, Sigma Aldrich, 2021
Chlorpyrifos:
An organophosphate insecticide that was banned in 2018 but has been legal for use until Dec. 31st. 2020. According to the National Pesticide Information Center, "Chlorpyrifos affects the nervous system by inhibiting the breakdown of acetylcholine (ACh), a neurotransmitter," which serves as an essential component for movement in the body. (Burke. et. al. 2017) In studies, chlorpyrifos is readily able to cross the placenta and affect fetal neural development. This can lead to the development of neurological issues in children that can range from cognitive impairment to tremors. (Richard D. Burke, et. al., 2017) The half life of chlorpyrifos is between 7-120 days, this takes into consideration weather conditions such as heat and rain. According to the latest State of California Department of Pesticide Regulation records Chlorpyrifos has been used in the ECV.
Potential Fetal Issues:
"(i) reduced weight and length at birth (Perera et al. 2003),
(ii) impaired cognition and motor function, attention deficit hyperactive disorder, and developmental problems at the age of 3." (Richard D. Burke, et. al., 2017)
Educational Information on Chlorpyrifos
http://npic.orst.edu/factsheets/archive/chlorptech.html#references
Wish to read the study?
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5673499/
Atrazine graphic, Sigma Aldrich, 2021
Atrazine:
Atrazine is a type of herbicide from the class called triazines which act as endocrine disruptors in human cells. In plants it is used to kill broadleaf weeds. (NPIC, 2021) Recent research has found atrazine to be associated with end-stage renal disease and renal cell carcinoma. (Lebove, F. Jill, 2016) In epidemiological studies involving humans, the pesticide atrazine showed a causal relationship between maternal exposure and skull deformations. (A.J. Agopian, et. al., 2012) Atrazine has been found at very low levels in drinking water and wells in the East Coachella Valley. (NPIC, 2021)
Educational Information on Atrazine
http://npic.orst.edu/factsheets/atrazine.html
Wish to read the studies?
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5342837/
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4105141/
Metam sodium graphic, PubChem, 2021
Metam Sodium:
Metam Sodium is a fumigant, a chemical meant to kill the roots of a plant. (Salsbury, 2019) This is one of the most commonly used pesticides in the United States and in the East Coachella Valley agricultural communities of Mecca, Thermal, Oasis, Northshore, and Desert Shore. Of the pesticides used in the ECV, metam sodium is used 29% of the time followed by sulfur at 25%. It is listed as one of the top 5 cancer causing pesticides in Yuma County Arizona. (Sugeng, 2013) When Metam Sodium breaks down upon contact with moist soil, it becomes three molecules of concern, methyl isothiocyanate (MITC), carbon disulphide (CS2), and dihydrogen sulphide (H2S). (Salsbury, 2019) Toxicology studies indicate that the breakdown products have the potential to be carcinogenic, endocrine disruptors, and affect fetal development. (Sugeng, 2013)
Educational Information on Metam Sodium
https://u.osu.edu/salsburey.4/2019/05/20/metam-sodium-toxicity/
Wish to read the studies?
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3769516/
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/21740140/
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