LEXINGTON, Ky. (WKYT) - Researchers have found that a chemical pesticide in oat-based foods sold in the U.S. could have an impact on people’s health.
It’s called chlormequat.
Experts say it could be linked to fertility issues.
“It is a cause for concern, potentially, that human exposure to this chemical is rising,” said Dr. Patrick Hannon, assistant professor of obstetrics & gynecology at the University of Kentucky. “As consumers, we should be very conscious about everything that we’re putting into our bodies.”
Dr. Hannon says recent studies have shown that there’s an increased level of chlormequat that humans are being exposed to. According to the Environmental Protection Agency, chlormequat can’t be used on food crops like oats, wheat, and barley grown in the U.S.
“What it does is it inhibits the growth of the stem, so that makes a sturdier stalk. That makes it easier for production and gets higher yields for the farmers,” said Dr. Hannon. “But, what has happened is they allowed it in imported goods.”
Dr. Hannon says these goods, coming from places like Canada and the United Kingdom, have a set limit for the level of chlormequat that’s allowed to be in them. However, the EPA increased that level in 2020.
Tests done on female pigs had an alarming outcome.
“What they saw was that it disrupted cyclicity, hormone production, and ability to get pregnant,” said Dr. Hannon. “Also, what they’ve shown is that it does have the ability to impact embryonic development.”
Dr. Hannon says this could translate to women’s health. Male mice were also tested, and reproductive impacts were shown as well. Dr. Hannon says choosing the organic route could be safer when buying oat-based products.
“They’re not using as much pesticides, and the pesticides they’re using are from a natural source,” Dr. Hannon said.
Dr. Hannon says this testing is in the preliminary stages. He says as they look into the chemical further, they’ll learn more about the toxic effects.
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February 29, 2024 at 02:03AM
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UK professor warns about pesticide found in oat-based foods - WKYT
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