Pesticides Damage Thyroid Gland, Damage Metabolism

There is growing evidence linking pesticide exposure to thyroid disease. In a new study published in the American Journal of Epidemiology, researchers followed 16,500 women on farms who were exposed to pesticides. They found that 12.5 percent already had diagnosable thyroid disease (mostly hypothyroidism, or underactive thyroid glands) compared with 1 to 8 percent in the general population.

The thyroid gland is a butterfly-shaped gland found in the throat. It plays an important role in regulating metabolism and energy in the body. Because of the gland’s vital link to maintaining healthy body weight, exposure to pesticides may play a role in weight gain.

The researchers found that organochlorine-based pesticides are linked to a significantly increased risk of hypothyroidism. They also found that exposure to fungus killers doubled to tripled the likelihood of experiencing hypothyroidism.

This new research reminds us of the vital link between the environment and our health and the importance of avoiding toxic chemical as much as we possibly can. If you’re using pesticides on your lawns, flowers, or in your home, you may wish to reconsider due to the increasing number of health conditions linked to their use.

Michelle Schoffro Cook, PhD.

Disclaimer: The views expressed above are solely those of the author and may not reflect those of
Care2, Inc., its employees or advertisers.

Penny A.

6:35PM PDT on Mar 23, 2013

Thank you.

March 23
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Winn A.

6:24PM PDT on Mar 23, 2013

Thanks

Nils Anders L.

9:18AM PDT on Mar 23, 2013

Danuta W.

1:30AM PDT on Mar 23, 2013

Thanks for this article.

12:42AM PST on Nov 20, 2012

Not surprising

November 20
send a green star

Frans B.

10:00PM PST on Nov 19, 2012

it will be perfect if everybody could produce their own veggies, organically with no artificial crap...

November 19
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Bill and Katie D.

9:28AM PDT on Sep 21, 2012

When washing your Vegetables, wash them with soap, liquid detergent, then rinse well several times!! All your Vegetables and Fruits!

September 21
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9:26AM PDT on Sep 21, 2012

I have known Farmers and saw their Animals that have used the pesticides! Terrible!
There are alternative things to use in your own garden. Look into this if you grow your own!

Elizabeth M.

1:58PM PDT on Sep 3, 2012

I nearly had a fit when I read that soya beans are being sprayed with 2,4D. Soy Lecithin is used in so many products, and how do we know if it is free from pesticides before bing put if food. Guess this is kind of off topic.
We don't use pestcides on the lawn, flowers or garden. For weeds I use Vinegar.