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A new Environmental Working Group study has found chlormequat, a little-known pesticide, in four out of five people tested. Because the chemical is linked to reproductive and developmental problems in animal studies, the findings suggest the potential for similar harm to humans.
Toxic Crop Chemical Found in Majority of People Tested
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A recent study by the Environmental Working Group (EWG) has brought to light the presence of a little-known toxic crop chemical, chlormequat, in a staggering 80% of people tested. This discovery raises concerns about potential health risks, particularly for those who consume foods containing this chemical.
What is Chlormequat?
Chlormequat is a toxic crop chemical used as a pesticide on ornamental plants. However, regulations have recently been expanded to allow its use on certain imported foods, such as oats. Animal studies have linked chlormequat to reproductive and developmental problems, including damage to the reproductive system and disruption of fetal growth.
Study Findings on Toxic Crop Chemical
EWG analyzed urine samples from 96 individuals in the U.S. and detected chlormequat in 77 of them. Worryingly, the concentrations of the chemical were higher in samples collected in recent years, suggesting an increase in consumer exposure.
Potential Health Risks of Toxic Crop Chemical
The animal studies linking chlormequat to reproductive and developmental issues raise concerns about similar effects in humans. While more research is needed, the ubiquity of this chemical in the population suggests the potential for harm.
Regulatory Actions on Toxic Crop Chemical
The Biden administration proposed allowing the first-ever use of chlormequat on barley, oats, triticale, and wheat grown in the U.S. However, EWG strongly opposes this plan, citing the lack of adequate monitoring and research on the chemical’s potential health effects.
Call for Further Action on Toxic Crop Chemical
EWG urges government agencies to prioritize the following actions:
* Test foods for chlormequat and monitor consumer exposure
* Add chlormequat to biomonitoring programs to track its presence in the population
* Conduct more research on the health effects of chlormequat in humans
Recommendations for Consumers on Toxic Crop Chemical
Until more information is available, consumers concerned about chlormequat exposure can consider:
* Choosing organic oat products, as they have minimal to no detectable levels of the chemical
* Reducing the consumption of oat products, especially for pregnant women and children
* Supporting organizations advocating for stricter regulation of toxic chemicals in food
Wrapping Up on Toxic Crop Chemical
The widespread presence of chlormequat in the population is a cause for concern. While more research is needed to fully understand the health risks, it is crucial that government agencies and consumers take steps to minimize exposure to this potentially toxic chemical. By supporting further research, advocating for stricter regulations, and making informed choices, we can help protect our health and the health of future generations.
FAQ’s
What is Chlormequat?
Chlormequat is a chemical used as a pesticide on ornamental plants. It has also been approved for use on certain imported foods, such as oats.
What are the Potential Health Risks of Chlormequat?
Animal studies have linked chlormequat to reproductive and developmental problems, including damage to the reproductive system and disruption of fetal growth. More research is needed to determine the potential health effects in humans.
What is the Government’s Role in Regulating Chlormequat?
The Biden administration has proposed allowing the first-ever use of chlormequat on barley, oats, triticale, and wheat grown in the U.S. However, the Environmental Working Group (EWG) strongly opposes this plan, citing the lack of adequate monitoring and research on the chemical’s potential health effects.
What Can Consumers Do to Reduce Exposure to Chlormequat?
Until more information is available, consumers can consider choosing organic oat products, reducing the consumption of oat products, especially for pregnant women and children, and supporting organizations advocating for stricter regulation of toxic chemicals in food.
What Further Actions are Needed to Address the Issue of Chlormequat?
EWG urges government agencies to prioritize testing foods for chlormequat, monitoring consumer exposure, and conducting more research on the health effects of chlormequat in humans.
Links to additional Resources:
1. Environmental Working Group 2. Environmental Protection Agency 3. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Related Wikipedia Articles
Topics: Chlormequat (pesticide), Environmental Working Group (organization), Toxic chemicals in food (health risks)Chlormequat
Chlormequat is an organic compound with the formula ClCH2CH2N(CH3)+3 that is used as a plant growth regulator. It is typically sold as the chloride salt, chlormequat chloride (C5H13Cl2N), a colorless hygroscopic crystalline substance that is soluble in water and ethanol. It is an alkylating agent and a quaternary ammonium salt....
Read more: Chlormequat
Environmental Working Group
The Environmental Working Group (EWG) is an American activist group that specializes in research and advocacy in the areas of agricultural subsidies, toxic chemicals, drinking water pollutants, and corporate accountability. EWG is a nonprofit organization (501(c)(3)).
Read more: Environmental Working Group
Toxic Substances Control Act of 1976
The Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA) is a United States law, passed by the 94th United States Congress in 1976 and administered by the United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), that regulates chemicals not regulated by other U.S. federal statutes, including chemicals already in commerce and the introduction of new...
Read more: Toxic Substances Control Act of 1976
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