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.

Barb K.

1:31PM PDT on May 11, 2012

I think all the "Soy" that they are putting in our foods are helping to contribute to the ever rising thyroid problems.

send a green star

Michele W.

3:08AM PST on Dec 3, 2011

Thank you

Kathy D.

7:43AM PDT on Jul 18, 2011

Here is the study I found - just cut and paste. http://aje.oxfordjournals.org/content/171/4/455.full?sid=e8b2f4e1-5e4e-4311-b165-116497f56ce8

Noelle H.

5:36PM PDT on Jul 17, 2011

No link to the actual study? I believe it, of course, but I want to know more!

Lin M.

6:43AM PDT on Jun 21, 2011

not surprised either

Emily D.

10:38AM PDT on Jun 15, 2011

pesticides...yuck!

KS G.

5:45AM PDT on Jun 15, 2011

Thanks for the article.

Sue H.

5:51PM PDT on Jun 13, 2011

As others have stated; not at all
suprising. A gentle reminder, Stop
before you buy that next can of Raid
and do some research on natural
products.

Camila K.

7:35AM PDT on Apr 30, 2011

this can not be allowed to continue

Penny C.

2:10PM PDT on Apr 16, 2011

If you can afford organic thats the way to go.It takes organic farmers 5 years to prepare their lands to plant organic and thats why the food is more expensive,what awful damage it has done to humans up to now proves this should be banned worldwide.