DDT ( d ichloro d iphenyl t richloroethane), an insecticide, has been connected to male genital birth defects, according to a South African study. Until the 1980s, DDT was widely used in agriculture until it was banned in the developed countries because of the dangers involved. It is, however, still used in many parts of the world to combat malaria.
Researchers looked at villages in South Africa, comparing those that were sprayed with DDT with those what were not. They specifically targeted women who gave birth and who stayed at home, not attending school elsewhere or working outside of the village, maximizing their exposure, if any, to the insecticide. The researchers found that among the women who stayed home, had 41% more boys with genital birth defects, such as missing testicles or problems with their urethra or penis than women in un-sprayed villages.
The spraying occurred between 1995 and 2003 and the births studied were between 2004 and 2006. This finding is particularly disturbing because this means that the DDT has built up in the women’s body, through either diet or environment, rather than direct exposure.
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Image: PhotoXpress.com
Post from: Blisstree
Boys’ Genital Defects Linked to Pesticides
DDT ( d ichloro d iphenyl t richloroethane), an insecticide, has been connected to male genital birth defects, according to a South African study. Until the 1980s, DDT was widely used in agriculture until it was banned in the developed countries because of the dangers involved. It is, however, still used in many parts of the world to combat malaria.
The spraying occurred between 1995 and 2003 and the births studied were between 2004 and 2006. This finding is particularly disturbing because this means that the DDT has built up in the women’s body, through either diet or environment, rather than direct exposure.
~~~
Image: PhotoXpress.com
Post from: Blisstree
Boys’ Genital Defects Linked to Pesticides