Exposure to herbicides such as glyphosate and 2,4-dichlorophenoxyacetic acid negatively affects attention, impulse control, academic performance, and language skills in adolescents. This conclusion was reached by scientists from the University of California Herbert Wertheim School of Public Health and Longevity Studies. Research results published In the journal Environmental Health Perspectives (ENP).
Herbicides are chemicals that kill unwanted herbaceous vegetation. They are used to control weeds in agriculture.
In the study, researchers measured concentrations of the commonly used herbicide metabolites glyphosate and 2,4-dichlorophenoxyacetic acid (2,4-D) in urine samples from 519 adolescents (ages 11-17). Metabolites, which are products of biochemical and physiological transformations of various substances in the body, partially reflect levels of exposure to these herbicides. The data obtained were compared with the cognitive abilities of the participants.
The results of the correlation analysis showed a clear link between increased concentrations of 2,4-D metabolites and decreased attention, inhibitory control, memory, learning and language skills. Glyphosate was a potential agent of disruption of social perception (the process of perceiving others in society).
According to the study authors, the mechanisms underlying this effect remain to be investigated. This will require larger studies.
Previous scientists I learnedthat the world’s most popular herbicide can no longer cope with weeds.