• Learn About Colony Collapse Disorder and How to Protect Bees
  • Learn About Pesticides in Foods
  • LIving Near Fields Increases Pesticide Exposure
  • Link to SK Organic Resources
  • Weeds Can Be Managed Without Chemical Pesticides
  • SNAP Display at Event
  • Learn To Manage Weeds Without Chemical Pesticides
  • Learn to Manage Pests Naturally
  • Driving Near Recently Sprayed Fields Exposes People to Pesticides
  • Grow a Lush Garden Organically

Thyroid

The thyroid is one of the master glands of the body. Proper thyroid gland function regulates body metabolism, blood calcium levels, energy, excess fats, hormones, oxygen, weight loss as well as growth of the foetus. Some effects on the thyroid may also be considered endocrine disruptingOver 70 pesticides are known disruptors of the thyroid gland. 

Underactive thyroid linked to pesticide exposure (PanUps, 19 Feb,2010- scroll down) The study found that wives of farmers who had been exposed to certain pesticides had a 12.5% incidence rate of thyroid diseases; compared to 1-8% n the general population. In the study of 44 pesticides, links to hypothyroidism (i.e., an under-active thyroid) increased significantly for exposure to organochlorine insecticides -- such as aldrin, DDT, and lindane, fungicides, and the herbicide paraquat. Maneb/mancozeb was the only chemical studied that upped the risk of both hypothyroidism and hyperthyroidism.