Herbicides are chemicals that help people get rid of weeds and other plants they don’t want. But sometimes, these chemicals can cause problems if we come into contact with them. These problems can affect our skin, eyes, breathing, and stomach.
Sometimes, they can even cause serious health issues like:
Cancer
One way that herbicides can cause cancer is by damaging DNA. CNN health studies have suggested that exposure to certain herbicides, such as glyphosate, the active ingredient in Roundup, increases the risk of non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma cancer by 41 percent.
The company Monsanto, the manufacturer of Roundup herbicide, has faced multiple lawsuits. In some of these lawsuits, plaintiffs have been awarded large payouts, such as a $2 billion payout to a couple in California in 2020. If you or someone you know developed cancer after being exposed to Roundup herbicide, it’s best to keep an eye on the Roundup lawsuit payout details.
Neurological Disorders
Herbicides are much more dangerous than you think. Apart from cancers, exposure to herbicides can cause neurological disorders.
Studies have suggested that exposure to these chemicals may damage or destroy nerve cells in the brain and nervous system and increase the risk of Parkinson’s disease by 29 to 89 percent.
Symptoms of neurological disorders related to herbicide exposure include tremors, muscle stiffness, difficulty with coordination and balance, and problems with memory and thinking. These symptoms can be similar to those of Parkinson’s disease and other neurological disorders.
If you have been exposed to herbicides and are experiencing neurological symptoms, it is important to see a doctor. They will be able to rule out other causes of the symptoms and, if necessary, refer you to a neurologist for further evaluation and treatment.
Reproductive Problems
Exposure to herbicides is linked to a number of reproductive problems. Such as birth defects and infertility. These problems occur because the chemicals used in these herbicides disrupt the endocrine system, which regulates hormones in the body.
Studies have shown that exposure to certain herbicides, such as glyphosate, can lead to problems with fertility in both men and women. For example, in men, glyphosate exposure decreases sperm count and quality.
In women, glyphosate exposure causes menstrual changes, early menopause, and other problems that can affect fertility.
Herbicides can also cause developmental problems in fetuses and children. Some studies have suggested that exposure to these chemicals during pregnancy may increase the risk of birth defects, such as cleft palate and neural tube defects. Additionally, herbicides can even cause developmental problems in children, such as attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and autism.
Acute Symptoms
When someone is exposed to herbicides, they may experience a range of acute symptoms. These are symptoms that occur shortly after exposure and usually go away once the exposure stops. Some of the most common symptoms include:
- Skin irritation: Some people may experience redness, itching, and rashes on the skin after coming into contact with herbicides.
- Eye irritation: Herbicides can cause itching, redness, and watering of the eyes. These symptoms may be temporary, but they can be quite uncomfortable.
- Respiratory problems: Some people may experience difficulty breathing, coughing, or chest tightness after inhaling herbicides. These symptoms can be similar to those of asthma or other respiratory problems.
- Nausea and vomiting: Some people may experience stomach upset, nausea, or vomiting after ingesting herbicides.
Allergic Reactions
If you are allergic to certain allergens, then herbicides are not for you. It’s better not to get close to these products. Herbicides can contain proteins, chemicals, or other substances that can trigger an immune response in sensitive individuals. If you accidentally come into contact with these allergens or you inhale it, it will cause the release of histamine and other chemicals that lead to symptoms such as itching, redness, and hives.
Conclusion
It’s important to note that the severity of these symptoms can vary depending on the type and amount of herbicide that a person was exposed to. In general, the more concentrated the exposure, the more severe the symptoms will be.
If you work with herbicides, then it’s essential to follow the safety guidelines provided by the product manufacturer and use personal protective equipment. It is important to be aware of the symptoms of herbicide exposure and seek medical attention if necessary.
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