Frogs Killed by Common Fungicide

University of South Florida researchers found that almost 90 percent of tadpoles exposed in lab tests to the fungicide Chlorothanil died. They didn’t even directly spray it in the water where they tadpoles were. First they used a formula that is supposed to determine how much of the fungicide might move as run-off into rivers, streams or lakes, from agricultural fields and other lands where it is sprayed. They tried to simulate exposure in nature by using that smaller amount. (Doubling the amount of fungicide killed all the test subjects.) Even at concentrations weaker than they calculated for potential real-world run-off, their test subjects experienced harm to their immune and liver systems. Additionally, their stress hormone levels were changed.

Lead researcher Taegan McMahon said, “We were completely surprised to see it basically killed everything.” She also noted it is used widely in Florida. (Source: TampaBay.com)

A spokesperson from Sygenta Corporation, a manufacturer of the fungicide, said the researchers used far more in their lab tests than would ever be used in real world applications. Considering she doesn’t know exactly how much individuals are using in the real world, and the specific conditions in which the fungicide is being used, her comment may not be a great defense. The St. Petersburg Times reported Sygenta Corporation had eleven billion dollars in sales last year. One wonders if the Swiss company cares more about profits than the frogs of Florida.

Chlorothalonil is a fungicide used in agriculture mainly for peanuts, potatoes and tomatoes. It is also used on golf courses and lawns. Bravo, Echo, and Daconil are some of the product names for it. The Sygenta Corporation product sheet for the fungicide says, “Studies have shown that the risk of any effects in aquatic environments is low and there is no potential for any long-term effects.” However, in the same product sheet for the section titled Procedures for Spill, the instructions say, “Every effort should be made to keep the spill from reaching lakes, streams, ponds, or open sewers.” So if the fungicide breaks down as rapidly as the company says, and therefore poses no long-term risk, why should every effort be made to keep it from natural water systems? The contradiction even in their own product sheet is obvious, and suggestive of a potential harm greater than what is acknowledged.

Harm to humans from Chlorothanil is described as severe irritation to exposed tissue, like skin and eyes, but depending on the individual’s health and dosage, it could be worse. In 1986, a naval officer died after playing golf on a course later found to be saturated in Daconil. It was believed he suffered a severe allergic reaction to the fungicide. His shoes, clubs and golf balls were found to be coated with it.

Some controversy has been associated with Sygenta Corporation, including a possible lobbying effort involving $15 million to get USDA approval for a type of industrial corn, and grassroots resistance of some of their practices as reported by a human rights organization. “Disregarding environmental laws and the Park Management Plan, the company made a series of environmental crimes, conducting experiments with genetically modified soya and maize, which in March 2006 led to IBAMA fining it 1 million reais.” (Source: MSTBrazil.org)

Across the globe, frog populations are in a serious decline due to chytrid fungus, habitat loss, climate change, and exposure to manmade chemicals.

Image Credit:  böhringer friedrich

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