Dangerous trend: The EPA continues to ignore cancer risk of widely used herbicide

(NaturalHealth365)  The International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) just classified atrazine, the second most widely used herbicide in America, as “probably carcinogenic to humans.”  This weed killer contaminates the tap water of 40 million Americans.  Yet, despite this cancer warning, the EPA (Environmental Protection Agency) is moving forward with its reapproval.

Twenty-two expert cancer researchers from 12 countries reviewed human epidemiological studies, animal studies, and laboratory assessments that show that atrazine exhibits key carcinogen characteristics, such as DNA damage and oxidative stress.  More than 60 countries have already banned atrazine due to links with birth defects, cancer, and fertility problems.

What makes this herbicide so dangerous

Atrazine is a known hormone-disrupting herbicide linked to birth defects, multiple cancers, and fertility problems, including low sperm quality and irregular menstrual cycles.  It’s the nation’s most widely detected herbicide contaminant in water.

A 2024 study following nearly 50,000 herbicide applicators for over two decades found atrazine exposure correlated with early onset prostate and lung cancer.  Researchers identified positive associations with non-Hodgkin lymphoma, particularly those with chromosomal translocations.

California designated atrazine as a reproductive toxin linked to birth defects and reduced fertility.  Exposure strongly correlates with gastroschisis, a birth defect where infants are born with intestines protruding through their belly, requiring immediate surgery and weeks to months in neonatal intensive care.

Why the EPA ignores international cancer warnings

The IARC is considered the gold standard.  Its approach is far more scientifically robust than the U.S. process. IARC reviewers consider only published research that independent scientists can review for accuracy and bias.

The EPA’s herbicide approvals are based almost entirely on a companies’ confidential assessments of their own products that independent researchers cannot review.

In 2020, the EPA reapproved atrazine, actually scrapping protections for young children and allowing more water contamination.  The EPA later found that an eighth of the continental United States was contaminated with levels that lead to dangerous concentrations in waterways.

Analysis of EPA data found that proposed mitigation plans would still allow extremely harmful levels in 99% of the nation’s 11,249 atrazine-contaminated watersheds.

How widespread contamination affects your family

Atrazine contaminates drinking water for 40 million Americans.  Unlike herbicides that break down quickly, atrazine persists in water systems.  Agricultural runoff carries it into groundwater, rivers, lakes, and municipal water supplies.  Standard water treatment doesn’t effectively remove it.

To make matters worse, for future generations, exposure during pregnancy correlates with birth defects.  Children and adolescents face particular vulnerability as their reproductive systems develop.  And, finally, men show reduced sperm quality, while women often experience irregular menstrual cycles.

Natural solutions to reduce herbicide exposure

You can’t control EPA decisions, but you can minimize your family’s exposure.

Filter drinking water with systems certified for herbicide removal.  Reverse osmosis and activated carbon filters reduce atrazine levels.  Look for NSF/ANSI Standard 53 certification for atrazine removal.

Choose organic produce, especially corn products, since atrazine is heavily used on conventional corn crops.  Organic certification prohibits atrazine use.

Support detoxification with organic cruciferous vegetables like broccoli, cauliflower, and Brussels sprouts that enhance Phase II liver detoxification.  Fiber binds toxins for removal.

Test your well water if you live near agricultural areas.  Check municipal water quality reports for atrazine levels.  Avoid lawn pesticide applications – many services use atrazine for weed control.

Get access to proven strategies for eliminating pesticide residues

The IARC has declared atrazine ‘probably carcinogenic.’  Yet, the EPA does not seem concerned about public health.  But here’s what matters most: your body is accumulating herbicide residues right now from the water you drink, the food you eat, and simply living your daily life.  You need effective strategies to help your body eliminate these accumulated toxins before they cause serious harm.

Get access to Jonathan Landsman’s Whole Body Detox Summit, featuring 27 holistic experts, researchers, doctors, and nutritionists who reveal proven protocols for safely eliminating pesticide residues and accumulated toxins.  Discover strategies for removing pesticides from water and food; how to identify if detoxification pathways are blocked; the biggest mistakes that increase toxic burden; and natural methods for supporting liver and kidney elimination of chemical exposures.

Learn which foods and supplements genuinely enhance detoxification; how to protect your family from environmental herbicide exposure; and testing methods that reveal your toxic load before health problems develop.

Bottom line: The IARC classified atrazine as probably carcinogenic based on cancer, birth defect, and fertility evidence, yet the EPA is moving to reapprove it despite contaminating water for 40 million Americans.  Water filtration, organic choices, and detoxification support become essential when agencies fail to protect public health.

Sources for this article include:

Iarc.who.int
Childrenshealthdefense.org

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