Atrazine Disrupts Hormones in Frogs

Atrazine, America’s most common herbicide,

disrupts hormones in frogs, according to findings published in the April 16 issue of

Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences. The University of California–Berkeley team found lowered testosterone levels and hermaphroditism (possessing both male and female sex organs) in frogs exposed to atrazine levels as low as 0.1 parts per billion (ppb), 30 times lower than the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) drinking water limit of 3 ppb. Atrazine levels have been measured at 40 ppb in Midwest rain and river water, and several parts per million in agricultural runoff. Atrazine has been popular in some 80 countries for 40 years as an herbicide on corn, soybeans, and other crops. It has been banned in several European countries and is currently under EPA review. A decision on acceptable levels is expected in August.