Welcome to "Wellness by AI," your go-to source for quick and insightful health information powered by artificial intelligence bringing insights about various health topics in just 10 minutes. Please support the show by joining our Supporters Club, click the link to join! https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/wellness-by-ai--6026098/support
If you found this information useful, be sure to leave a 5 star review and subscribe so you can enjoy future episodes!
-Always consult your doctor and do not rely solely on medical advice given by this podcast.

Atrazine is a herbicide commonly used in agriculture to control broadleaf and grassy weeds. Here's some information on the topics you mentioned:
Uses:
Atrazine is primarily used to control weeds in crops like corn, sorghum, sugarcane, and others.
It is applied as a pre-emergence and post-emergence herbicide.
Regulations:
In the United States, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) regulates the use of atrazine. The EPA sets limits on the amount of atrazine residue allowed in drinking water.
In Europe, the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) and individual member states regulate atrazine.
Long-term Health Effects on Humans:
Atrazine has been a subject of study regarding its potential health effects on humans. Research has explored associations between atrazine exposure and various health concerns.
Some studies suggest possible links between atrazine exposure and reproductive and developmental effects, but findings can vary and more research is needed.
Associated Diseases:
Research has investigated potential links between atrazine exposure and diseases like certain cancers, reproductive issues, and developmental effects.
However, it's important to note that the scientific consensus on these associations may not be definitive, and further studies are ongoing.
Traceability in Water and Food Supply:
Atrazine can enter water sources through runoff from treated fields. Monitoring and regulating atrazine levels in water supplies are important for public health.
In the food supply chain, residue limits are set to ensure that the levels of atrazine in food products remain within acceptable safety standards.
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) sets maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) for various substances in drinking water, including atrazine.
The EPA has established an MCL for atrazine in drinking water at 3 micrograms per liter (µg/L) or parts per billion (ppb). Water utilities are required to monitor and report atrazine levels, and if the concentration exceeds the MCL, appropriate measures must be taken to ensure compliance with regulations.
Research has suggested that atrazine, a widely used herbicide, may have effects on amphibians, including frogs. Atrazine has been studied for its potential endocrine-disrupting effects, which means it may interfere with the hormonal systems of organisms. Some studies have reported that exposure to atrazine can lead to changes in reproductive organs and behaviors in amphibians.
One specific concern is the potential for atrazine to induce a phenomenon known as "hermaphroditism" in amphibians, where individuals may exhibit both male and female reproductive organs. Research has shown that exposure to atrazine can cause changes in gonadal development in certain amphibian species.
According to the Environmental Working Group:
Studies suggest human health may be affected by low levels of atrazine in drinking water:
In 2017, Leslie Stayner, Ph.D., and his colleagues at the University of Illinois reviewed data for more than 130,000 births and reported a statistically significant association between preterm births and atrazine in drinking water. The average concentration of atrazine was one-seventh of the legal limit.
A 2013 study by Martha Rhoades, Ph.D., of the University of Nebraska–Lincoln detected an elevated risk of non-Hodgkin lymphoma for people who had both atrazine and nitrate in their drinking water.
A 2011 study led by Lori Cragin, a Vermont state epidemiologist, compared the menstrual cycles of women drinking atrazine-contaminated water in Illinois to those of women in rural Vermont. The Illinois women reported more menstrual cycle irregularity and a higher likelihood of reduced levels of reproductive hormones.
A 2011 study led by Cécile Chevrier of the French National Institute of Health and Medical Research reported an increase in fetal growth restriction and small head circumference in French babies whose mothers drank atrazine-contaminated tap water during the first trimester of pregnancy. Atrazine levels were below the current EPA drinking water standard of 3 ppb.
What are the health guidelines for atrazine?
The EPA’s legal limit allows up to 3 parts per billion, or ppb, of atrazine in treated tap water.
In 1999 the California Office of Environmental Health Hazard Assessment set a public health goal of 0.15 ppb for atrazine in drinking water, a level based on a study finding increased rates of breast cancer in rats exposed to the chemical. California’s legal maximum for atrazine in tap water is 1 ppb. Europe has banned all pesticides in drinking water, which led atrazine to be phased out in 2003.
As scientists continue to study endocrine disruptors, more information becomes available that shows that these contaminants are harmful even at very low levels. EWG’s health guideline of 0.1 ppb for atrazine was based on epidemiological studies of exposure to atrazine in drinking water. This health guideline protects against hormone disruption and harm to the developing fetus and the reproductive system.
What can I do to address the risks of atrazine in my drinking water?
The most important thing to do is get more information about whether your drinking water contains atrazine. You can:
Use EWG’s Tap Water Database to see whether your water system has tested and detected atrazine. If your utility doesn’t appear in our database, or if you want to learn more about its tests, contact the utility directly, a nearby water utility or your local public health department.
Consider getting your water tested independently if you live near cornfields or other agricultural lands; make sure to consult with local water experts about the best time to collect the water sample.
To mitigate the presence of atrazine or other chemicals in your drinking water consider installing a high quality water filter, reverse osmosis system, or buy quality drinking water from a company like culligan.