In a study conducted by the Environmental Working Group - EWG, a lesser-known pesticide, chlormequat, was detected in the bodies of four out of five people tested. This chemical substance, previously under the radar, raises concerns about its potential effects on human health, mirroring developmental and reproductive disorders observed in animal studies.
Published on February 15 in the
Journal of Exposure Science and Environmental Epidemiology, this pioneering research in the United States analyzed urine samples from 96 individuals, revealing the presence of chlormequat in 77 of them.
Chlormequat molecule.
Image Wikimedia
The discovery calls into question the frequency at which populations might be exposed to this pesticide, underlining a pressing need for regulation and further studies on its health effects. Notably, the study revealed an increase in chlormequat concentrations in samples collected in 2023 compared to previous years, suggesting growing consumer exposure to this substance.
Chlormequat, authorized by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) only for use on ornamental plants in the United States, has seen its application extended to oats and other imported foods since 2018, with increased allowed quantities in 2020. Faced with this trend, the EWG is urging authorities to strengthen the monitoring and regulation of this pesticide, highlighting the gaps in public health protection against potential food-related risks.
The publication also stresses the importance for the Departments of Agriculture and Health, as well as the Food and Drug Administration, to test foods for chlormequat and include this substance in biomonitoring programs. The EWG calls for awareness and immediate action to assess and limit human exposure to chlormequat, aiming for enhanced food safety.
Lastly, the study highlights a significant distinction between organic and non-organic oat-based products, with the latter frequently containing chlormequat, unlike organic products where the substance is rarely detected. This finding could encourage consumers to opt for organic options to reduce their exposure to potentially harmful pesticides.