Does Atrazine Induce Complete Feminization and Chemical Castration in Male Frogs? Yes, 10% of Those Exposed to 2.5ppb.

Commonly used herbicide, Atrazine, was found to transform 10% of genetically male frogs into females and hermaphrodites 

In the 2010 study from UC Berkeley, 100% of the animals tested were genetic males. As a result, all hermaphrodites and females observed to transform were ensured to be genetic males that were altered by endocrine disruption. Examination was of sex ratios, testosterone levels, sexual dimorphism, reproductive behaviors, and fertility in males exposed to 2.5 ppb atrazine throughout the larval period and for up to 3 years after metamorphosis.

From the study: “All of the control animals reared to sexual maturity (n = 40) were males, on the basis of external morphology, whereas only 90% of the atrazine-treated animals (36 of 40) appeared male at sexual maturity (on the basis of the presence of keratinized nuptial pads on the forearms and the absence of cloacal labia). The other 10% of atrazine-exposed animals (n = 4) lacked visible nuptial pads on the forearms and had protruding cloacal labia, typical of females (Fig. 1). Upon dissection of two of the apparent females and laparotomy in another two, we confirmed that animals with cloacal labia were indeed females from the present study, on the basis of the presence of ovaries (Fig. 1F). To date, two atrazine-induced females have been maintained, mated with control males (Fig. 1G), and produced viable eggs (Fig. 1H). The resulting larvae were all male when raised to metamorphosis and sampled (n = 100), confirming that atrazine-induced females were, in fact, chromosomal males.”

Similar results have been found in other studies. There are many other documented reproductive effects of atrazine in laboratory rodents: induced abortion, impaired mammary development, the induction of reproductive and hormone-dependent cancers as well as other non-reproductive effects including impaired immune function (also observed in multiple studies across vertebrate classes) and impaired neural development. Thus, with the additional the indirect effects of atrazine on habitats, atrazine can have dramatic effects on ecosystems, environmental health and public health.

Recent studies suggest that atrazine has negative developmental effects in humans too. I remind you that most diseases are environmentally triggered, not heritable genetics. This includes, for example, ALS. We live in a chemical stew. Among the chemicals wreaking havoc on our bodies are endocrine disruptors such as prescription drugs, plastics, phthlates, ‘forever’ chemicals that we’ve been manufacturing and circulating into our environment and bodies since especially World War II. 

More than a half million pounds of atrazine are precipitated in rainfall each year in the United States. It’s a problem, people. And, just because RFK, Jr. repeated the info from these studies, doesn’t mean it isn’t true. Stop your emotional, political bullshitting, and read the actual studies.