According to one study, farmers growing corn and using Atrazine over a 20-year period (1986-2005) saw average yields of 5.7 bushels more per acre, an increase of more than 5 percent.
Atrazine is a widely used herbicide that can be applied before and after planting to control broadleaf and grassy weeds. It is interesting to note, that out of 500 pages, the EPA did not address atrazine’s risk to humans, simply stating that it would address the issue later this year.Beyond farm families, there is already plenty of evidence of the dangers of atrazine:But the danger to humans goes beyond that of families living on or near farms.Want to republish this article? There is the increased risks for tumors known to be associated with hormonal factors. The 2009 reevaluation was partially in response to a 2009 New York Times article citing that atrazine may be more dangerous at lower concentrations than previously thought. The Case for Banning Atrazine. Workers involved in production, farming, and herbicide application are exposed to the highest levels of atrazine. But if enough of us are aware of the problem and demand action from our lawmakers, our farmers and the agencies designed to protect us, change can happen.This Dr. Axe content is medically reviewed or fact checked to ensure factually accurate information.Atrazine is scary stuff. If atrazine enters the air, it can be broken down by reactions with other reactive chemicals in the air. Epidemiological studies also suggest that atrazine is a human carcinogen and leads to other human health issues.Atrazine is an agricultural herbicide that is widely used by farmers to control broadleaf weeds and grasses that interfere with the growth of corn, sorghum, sugar cane, and other crops.
It is primarily used in agriculture (with the greatest use on corn, sorghum, and sugarcane).
Exposure to atrazine also results delayed pubertal development in female rats. Once absorbed, atrazine is translocated upward and accumulates in the growing tips and the new leaves of the plant. The doctor might need to ask the state health department to investigate. Atrazine is a chemical that may be found in some public or private drinking water supplies. Human exposure to atrazine is linked to a number of serious health effects. Atrazine is a herbicide of the triazine class. Atrazine has the potential to cause weight loss, cardiovascular damage, retinal and some muscle degeneration, and mammary tumors from a lifetime exposure at levels above the MCL. Atrazine is a restricted use pesticide (RUP) and most people cannot purchase it freely or use it. It’s easy to see why a lot of farmers like Atrazine.