Weed Killer Could Be Killing People Also

Controversy arose as new research shows chemicals in water can truly have damaging effects. The weed killer atrazine used by many farmers, lawn care workers and professional green thumbs, often gets into water supplies. This has been known for some time but now, studies show that even low levels of this chemical can be dangerous, especially for the fetuses of pregnant women. There seems to be a connection of atrazine and birth defects. Recent evidence suggests that atrazine can lead to skull and facial malformations, misshapen limbs, low birth weights and death.

Understandably, scientists and health advocates are concerned for people’s well beings. On the other hand, officials of the Environmental Protection Agency as well as Syngenta, the company that manufactures atrazine, say that the water is completely safe. They believe there is no need to inform Americans of this issue. The E.P.A. says that studies do not show any birth defects or abnormalities from the consumption of atrazine in drinking water. Employees at the E.P.A. decided to ignore the controversy of atrazine and continue their other work.

Evidence proves that 40% of the nation’s water systems have violated the Safe Drinking Water Act in the past year. The Safe Drinking Water Act was created to warn local residents about any chemicals in their water. However, residents are not informed when atrazine and other chemicals spike in number.


As a citizen of this nation, I feel as though everyone should be warned about this issue. Even if there is a small risk, it is something that needs to be addressed. People, especially pregnant women, want to do everything to keep themselves as safe as possible and without crucial information, they cannot. I recently explained this subject to a pregnant family friend who was undoubtedly concerned after hearing the news. She in no way wants her innocent son or daughter to be harmed. Especially because she is drinking plenty of water to help the development of the fetus, she simply wanted to be notified about the chemical. I personally believe all people have a right to know of this harmful atrazine to protect themselves and their families.

Duhigg, Charles. (2009, August 22) Debating How Much Weed Killer Is Safe in Your Water Glass. The New York Times. Retrived from http://www.newyorktimes.com/