subject: Connection Between Pesticide Use and Birth Defects [print this page] Connection Between Pesticide Use and Birth Defects
Even though atrazine is banned in Europe, millions of pounds of this herbicide are applied on farms in the United States every year. According to the U.S. Geological Survey, there tend to be higher levels of pesticides in water between April and July than during the rest of the year. Unfortunately, this is in direct correlation to an increase in birth defects for women who conceive between April and July.
Some studies indicate that the greatest risk of exposure to pesticides is during the first 3 to 8 weeks of the first trimester when the neural tube development is occurring. Exposure to pesticides or insecticides during the first trimester is especially harmful; however, the fetus may develop a birth defect due to pesticide exposure at any point throughout the pregnancy.
Common Sources of Dangerous Pesticides
Pesticide are substances used to prevent or destroy insects, fungus, weeds or other "pests" that can harm crops or people. While most people know that outdoor pesticides spread by aircraft or ground equipment are inherently hazardous to children and adults, some people may not realize that flea collars, house exterminators, and ant sprays can be dangerous, as well. Some common sources of dangerous pesticides include:
Household gardening pesticides and insecticides
Herbicides such as triazines and chloroacetanilides
Fungicides
Agricultural pesticides such as alachor and atrazine
Common Birth Defects Caused By Exposure to Pesticides
After long-term or intense exposure to household or agricultural pesticides, fetuses may develop birth defects such as:
Cryptorchidism a condition in which one or both testes fail to descend normally
Hyposadias an abnormality of the penis in which the urethra opens on the underside
Spina bifida defects in the spinal cord and in the vertebrae caused by the incomplete closure of the neural tube
Missing or deformed limbs
Heart defects
Pesticide or Insecticide Use During Pregnancy
In general, pregnant women should try to avoid contact with agricultural or household pesticides. When that is impossible, pregnant women should take the following steps:
Have someone else apply the pesticides
Remove food and utensils from the area where any pesticide is going to be sprayed or applied
Wear protective clothing when gardening to prevent contact with plants that may have pesticides on them
Consider natural pest control options such as pulling weeds instead of spraying
After treatment on house plants is completed, open the windows and allow the house to ventilate
