21
Feb
Weed Killer 2,4-D’s Adverse Effect on the Liver Adds to List of Hazards from Food, Lawn, and Water Residues
(Beyond Pesticides, February 21, 2024) In addition to its effects including cancer, and reproductive, immune or nervous system disruption, according to international findings, a review published in Toxics finds that the the widely used weed killer 2,4-dichlorophenoxyacetic acid (2,4-D) causes significant changes in liver structure and function. 2,4-D can damage liver cells, tissue, and inflammatory responses through the induction of oxidative stress. The liver, the largest solid organ in the human body, is an essential part of the digestive system responsible for blood detoxification, nutrient metabolization, and immune function regulation. However, rates of chronic liver diseases are increasing, representing the second leading cause of mortality among all digestive diseases in the U.S. In fact, researchers warn of the rise in liver disorders and metabolic syndrome among young people. Therefore, reviews like this highlight the research available to make decisions on safeguarding human health from chemical exposure to mitigate further disease outcomes and complications.
2,4-D is used on turf, lawns, and rights-of-way, as well as in forestry and aquatic systems. 2,4-D products are available as liquid, dust, and granule fields, as well as fruit and vegetable crops, including in genetically engineered crop production. The chemical is widely used in “weed and feed” lawn products. It is critical to note that EPA allows residues of 2,4-D in virtually all food commodities widely consumed; in drinking, surface, and groundwater; on playing fields; and in parks and schoolyards.
The review primarily focuses on structural damage and chemical biomarkers indicating toxicity to the liver and its function. Assessing studies from PubMed, Web of Science and Scopus, researchers found 83 articles on liver effects and exposure to 2,4-D, ranging from in vivo (in living organisms) models (~70%) to in vitro (in test tube) models (~30%). Most studies focused on the 2,4-D as an active ingredient, while the remainder focused on commercial formulations of 2,4-D. However, the review did make a note of studies evaluating mixtures of pesticides that include 2,4-D. The biomarkers of concern include a decrease in antioxidant capacity (oxidative stress) and changes in lipids, liver function, and xenobiotic metabolism. Despite the studies finding an association between 2,4-D exposure and liver toxicity, the researchers highlight the need for future studies to investigate the mechanisms involved in liver toxicity.
Analysis: A multitude of research describes a range of unacceptable hazards from 2,4-D exposure, including the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) finding that the chemical is a possibly human carcinogen (e.g., soft tissue sarcoma and non-Hodgkin lymphoma). Moreover, exposure to 2,4-D can cause adverse neurological effects like the development of ALS and loss of smell and hormone deficiencies like endocrine disruption. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) finds babies born near areas of high 2,4-D use, such as farming communities, have higher rates of birth abnormalities, respiratory and cardiovascular issues, and developmental defects. Although glyphosate replaced a lot of 2,4-D herbicide use during the late 1990s and early 2000s, increasing glyphosate resistance is shifting the market back to heavy 2,4-D use and the chemical’s potential contribution to the growth of antibiotic resistance in human pathogenic bacteria. Considering the agricultural industry is now speeding toward multi-herbicide-tolerant (genetically engineered) cropping systems, public and environmental health is at greater risk from chemical input threats from this cropping system.
Comparative: From 1974 up to the present day, studies in this review highlight what many studies have previously: 2,4-D has a negative impact on the liver both structurally and biochemically. The review highlights that oxidative stress increases the progression of 2,4-D-induced liver damage. Yet, the lack of studies on the mechanism of action, targets, and molecular pathways involved in liver toxicity needs further understanding. Further understanding will allow government and health officials to make informed decisions that reduce and/or eliminate human and environmental health risks. However, this review notes that using in silico and chemico tools can be a viable and efficient alternative for predicting the toxicity mechanisms of pesticides to understand the interactions between molecules and toxic chemicals. Thus, the researchers in the review advocate for “[…]the use of predictive methodologies in investigating the mechanism of action of 2,4-D [to] offer a promising perspective for advancing our knowledge of its toxicity and contributes to the development of more effective strategies for environmental safety and public health.”
Health officials estimate about 100 million individuals in the U.S. have some liver disease, with cases of specific liver diseases, like nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), having doubled over the past 20 years. Therefore, it is essential to mitigate preventable exposure to disease-inducing pesticides. For more information about pesticides’ effects on human and animal health, see Beyond Pesticides’ Pesticide-Induced Diseases Database, including pages on immune system disorders (e.g., hepatitis [liver condition], cancer (including lymphoma), and more.
One meaningful way to reduce human and environmental contamination from pesticides is to buy, grow, and support organic. Numerous studies find that levels of pesticides in urine significantly drop when switching to an all-organic diet. Furthermore, given the wide availability of non-pesticidal alternative strategies, families, from rural to urban, can apply these methods to promote a safe and healthy environment, especially among chemically vulnerable individuals or those with health conditions. For more information on why organic is the right choice for consumers and the farmworkers that grow our food, see the Beyond Pesticides webpage, Health Benefits of Organic Agriculture.
All unattributed positions and opinions in this piece are those of Beyond Pesticides.
Source: Toxics
Numerous studies find that levels of pesticides in urine significantly drop when switching to an all-organic diet. Furthermore, given the wide availability of non-pesticidal alternative strategies, families, from rural to urban, can apply these methods to promote a safe and healthy environment, especially among chemically vulnerable individuals or those with health conditions. Too bad that many people can not afford to buy organic. The big chains are pricing us out of the market>
February 21st, 2024 at 5:12 pmGiven how much information it contains, this is an excellent article. Articles of this kind keep visitors interested in the website and encourage them to share more… good luck.
February 22nd, 2024 at 6:11 amWow! What an insightful read! The author’s expertise shines through, making this blog a go-to resource for anyone seeking valuable information in this field.
March 4th, 2024 at 6:01 am