21
Jul
(Beyond Pesticides, July 21, 2026) A literature review in Current Opinion in Endocrine and Metabolic Research highlights research connecting pesticide exposure to thyroid hormone alterations and thyroid carcinogenesis (cancer). Studies find that exposure to pesticides, whether through occupational, residential, or dietary routes, can lead to endocrine disruption, thyroid dysfunction, and neoplasia (tumor development). “With agriculture playing an essential role in meeting worldwide demands for food and fuel, it is not only important to continue to study both acute and chronic effects of pesticide exposure on thyroid function, both environmental and occupational, but it is also important to explore the impact on multi-organ systems and transgenerational toxicity,†the authors, from the University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, state. According to the American Thyroid Association, an estimated 20 million Americans currently have some form of thyroid disease, with more than 12% of the U.S. population expected to develop a condition during their lifetime. Women also face disproportionate risks, as they are five to eight times more likely than men to have thyroid problems. During her lifetime, one in eight women will develop a thyroid disorder. The American Association of Clinical Endocrinology explains that the thyroid gland, while relatively small, plays a large […]
Posted in Agriculture, Cancer, Chlorpyrifos, Endocrine Disruption, Epigenetic Effects, Farmworkers, Glyphosate, Herbicides, Insecticides, Lindane, Metalaxyl, Occupational Health, oxyfluorfen, Paraquat, Pesticide Residues, Thyroid Disease, Women's Health | No Comments »
14
Nov
(Beyond Pesticides, November 14, 2025) A literature review in Ecotoxicology and Environmental Safety finds a sex-specific relationship between pesticide exposure and thyroid cancer, with heightened risks for women. “Thyroid cancer (TC) is one of the most common endocrine malignancies worldwide, yet the association between pesticide exposure and TC has not been systematically summarized,†the authors state. “This study aimed to elucidate the relationship between pesticide exposure and TC, focusing on insecticides, herbicides, and fungicides.†In the U.S., approximately 44,020 new cases and 2,290 deaths are estimated for 2025, according to the American Cancer Society, with thyroid cancer as the ninth most common cancer in women. (See research here.) TC ranks globally as the tenth most common cancer, representing a worldwide threat to both men and women. (See here.) The current study considers scientific literature on thyroid cancer and pesticide exposure by pesticide type to extract data and statistically analyze the link between exposure and risk of TC. The results indicate a positive association between exposure to insecticides, herbicides, and fungicides and thyroid cancer, with the sex-based analysis revealing the risk of TC is higher in females. Study Background and Importance As the researchers write, thyroid cancer “is one of the […]
Posted in Biomonitoring, Cancer, Endocrine Disruption, Endosulfan, Fungicides, Herbicides, Insecticides, Malathion, Oxidative Stress, Thyroid Disease, Women's Health | No Comments »
08
Oct
(Beyond Pesticides, October 8, 2024) A comprehensive literature review in Endocrines, published in September, amasses hundreds of studies on endocrine-disrupting chemicals (EDCs) that showcase adverse effects on growth, development, reproduction, and metabolism. The authors, a team of scientists and academics from Brazil, shed light on the link between EDC use and thyroid dysfunction, leading to increasingly prevalent illnesses and deadly diseases.    EDCs are any synthetic or natural compounds that hinder endocrine system functions and create harmful effects on organisms. These chemicals can impact the thyroid gland, which is vital in producing hormones and plays a role in several body functions. As the researchers state, “Several EDCs have been classified as thyroid disruptors, impairing thyroid hormone [TH] production, synthesis, metabolism, transport, and/or actions. Notably, thyroid disorders are the second most prevalent endocrine disease worldwide, with incidence increasing significantly in recent years.†The authors continue, “[S]tudies have correlated this rise in thyroid dysfunctions and cancers with increased exposure to EDCs. Although many EDCs are linked to thyroid dysfunction, this review focuses on the deleterious effects of plasticizers, organochlorine pesticides, and per- and poly-fluoroalkyl substances on thyroid function. These contaminants are commonly found in food, water, and everyday products.†This review helps […]
Posted in Atrazine, Birth defects, Cancer, carbamate, Carbamates, Children, Chlorpyrifos, DDT, Dieldrin, Endocrine Disruption, Endosulfan, Fipronil, mancozeb, organochlorines, organophosphate, Permethrin, PFAS, phthalates, Propiconazole, pyrethroids, Synthetic Pyrethroid, Thyroid Disease, Women's Health | No Comments »
