2023-10-12 06:00:00
Exposure to two of the most popular herbicides was associated with deterioration of brain function in adolescents. This research was conducted by researchers at the Herbert Wertheim School of Public Health and Human Longevity Sciences at the University of California, San Diego (United States). The findings were published on October 11, 2023 in the scientific journal Environmental Health Perspectives.
In this study, researchers measured the concentrations of two commonly used herbicides – glyphosate and 2,4-dichlorophenoxyacetic acid (2,4D) – and the insect repellent DEET in urine samples collected from 519 adolescents. To examine the participants’ levels of brain function, they assessed the performances neurocomportementales in five areas: attention, memory and learning, language, visuospatial processing and social perception.
Lower neurobehavioral performance
“Many chronic illnesses and mental health disorders among adolescents and young adults have increased over the past two decades. Exposure to neurotoxic contaminants present in the environment might explain part of this increase “, notes lead author Jose Ricardo Suarez, associate professor at the Herbert Wertheim School of Public Health. Among the results of this study reported in a press release, the scientists reveal that “ higher amounts of 2,4D in urine were associated with poorer neurobehavioral performance in the areas of attention and inhibitory control, memory and learning, and language.” Urine glyphosate concentration was associated with lower social perception scores.
” There is considerable use of herbicides and insecticides in agricultural industries in developed and developing countries around the world, increasing the potential for exposure of children and adults, especially if they live in agricultural areas, but we do not know how this affects each stage of the life,” reported first author Briana Chronister.
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