herbicides They are the most widely used class of pesticides worldwide, with uses in agriculture, homes and industry. A recently published study found that exposure to two of the most used herbicides in the world glyphosate and so-called 2,4-D) relates to a worsening brain function in adolescentsAccording to studies by researchers at the Herbert Wertheim School of Public Health and Human Longevity Sciences at the University of California, San Diego (USA).
In a report published recently Environmental Health PerspectivesThe researchers reported measuring concentrations of metabolites of these two commonly used herbicides: glyphosate and 2,4-dichlorophenoxyacetic acid (2,4-D), as well as the insect repellent DEET in urine samples. These samples were collected in 2016 from 519 adolescents aged 11 to 17 living in the agricultural canton of Pedro Moncayo, Ecuador. Researchers also evaluated neurobehavioral performance in five areas:attention and inhibitory control, memory and learning, language, visual-spatial processing, and social perception.
“Many chronic diseases and mental health disorders in adolescents and young adults Increasing worldwide in the last twenty yearsand exposure to neurotoxic pollutants in the environment may explain some of this increase,” says lead author José Ricardo Suárez, associate professor at the Herbert Wertheim School of Public Health.
Between The results obtained in the study Included:
· 98 percent of those analyzed had traces of glyphosate, a non-selective herbicide used for vegetation control in residential areas and on many crops, including corn and soybeans.
· 66 percent of participants had 2,4-D, a broadleaf herbicide used on lawns, wetlands and agricultural crops.
· High amounts of 2,4-D in urine were associated with poor neurobehavioral performance in the areas of attention and inhibitory control, memory and learning, and language.
· Urinary glyphosate concentration was only associated with lower scores in social perception, whereas DEET metabolites were not associated with neurobehavioral performance.
“There is a significant use of herbicides and insecticides in the agricultural industry in both developed and developing countries around the world. Increases exposure potential for children and adults, especially if they live in agricultural areas but we don’t know how each stage of life affects it,” said the study’s first author, Briana Chronister of San Diego State University.
Previous studies have shown that exposure to some of the most commonly used pesticides is linked to impaired neurocognitive performance, while other pesticides may also affect mood and brain development.
The mental health of the population is deteriorating
Today, 20 percent of adolescents and 26 percent of young adults have diagnosable mental health problems, such as: anxiety, depression, impulsivity, aggression or learning disorders.
“Hundreds of new chemical products are introduced to the market each year, and today more than 80,000 products are registered for use.”
The authors explain that 2,4-D negatively affects performance in all five neurobehavioral domains, but significant effects were also observed on attention and inhibitory control, memory, learning, and language. While glyphosate showed a significant negative effect in this study only on social perception, a test that measures the ability to recognize emotions, DEET metabolites were not associated with neurobehavioral changes.
“Hundreds of new chemical products are introduced to the market every year and There are more than 80,000 chemicals registered for use today.” said Suárez. “Unfortunately, little is known about the safety and long-term effects of many of these chemicals on humans. Researchers note that additional research is needed to truly understand the impact.
Glyphosate ban likely to be extended for another decade in EU
Glyphosate has been a source of controversy since its cancer institute The World Health Organization concluded in 2015 that this substance is probably carcinogenic. for people.
However, EU sources admitted this a few days ago: The license for this substance is planned to be extended for another ten years.This comes after EU food safety agency EFSA found no critical elements in an assessment carried out this July.
However, the same sources say that EFSA analysis gaps in some data and no conclusions have been drawn on certain aspects such as the impact on consumers’ diets.
The EU authorization for glyphosate was due to expire in December 2022, but has been temporarily extended for a year, subject to assessments by EFSA and the EU chemicals agency ECA.
In response to this decision, Pascal Canfin, President of the European Parliament’s Environment Committee, condemned the decision in X as being contrary to scientific advice.
Reference work: https://medicalxpress.com/news/2023-10-commonly-used-herbicide-adolescent-brain-function.html
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