Herbicide in Drinking Water Linked to Hormonal Irregularities
Last month, Scientific American published an article that gave us pause. Once again, the herbicide Atrazine has hit the news, even though the EPA tells us it’s safe enough in low levels. This so-called “safe” chemical, however, caused women in the study to have irregular menstrual cycles and low estrogen levels, even when consumed in concentrations much lower than the acceptable safe limit. Of course, hormonal irregularities don’t just stop there though. Altered hormone levels lead to all sorts of other complications including delayed puberty, fertility issues, pregnancy loss, low birth weight, osteoporosis, diabetes, heart disease, and some cancers.
That all sounds like a nightmare, especially considering it is an invisible little contaminant in drinking water. According to the article, atrazine is the most widely used herbicide in the United States, and that approximately 75 percent of all U.S. cornfields are treated with the herbicide each year. Other uses include crops, lawns, and golf courses. Just since 2003, more than 150 new studies have been implemented, raising concerns about the possible health effects of atrazine. The European Union has even banned the chemical’s use due to safety concerns. Still, the herbicide’s manufacturer rejects the findings of these studies, and the EPA says it’s okay in small quantities.
Not convinced? Neither are we. That’s why we recommend a drinking water system that will filter impurities out of your tap water. According to the Water Quality Association, an activated carbon filter – such as the filters in a residential reverse osmosis drinking water system – will take care of the problem.
