New studies have shown a new element in the harmful effects of toxins. Not only can certain chemicals be harmful to the physiology of organisms, but now they are believed to change the behavior of these organisms as well. The genetically controlled portion of behaviors that are altered by toxic chemicals can also be passed down to the offspring of these organisms. One particular behavior studied by scientists is sexual behavior in rats.
Biologist Michael Skinner studied the effect of the fungicide vinclozolin, an endocrine-disrupter, on female rats. The results of the experiment demonstrated that the male offspring of female rats treated with the fungicide revealed significant fertility defects. Moreover, the offspring of these affected male rats also exhibited fertility defects. Vinclozolin is thought to alter genetic sequences by allowing other chemical groups to attach to certain genes involved in sexual behavior. The expression of these genes are subsequently and permanently changed. The altered sexual behavior of decedents of vinclozolin-treated rats involves a diminished ability to attract females. Studies confirmed that young, healthy females were more attracted to rats under a control lineage rather than those whose grandparents were treated with vinclozolin. The implications of these studies are frightening. The scientists concluded that since the toxins have effects that span across generations, they could potentially cause the extinction of certain species by affecting their reproductive success.
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This is very interesting and I did some research on vinclozolin and found that it has harmful effects on the endocrine system on humans as well. The study on rats is really shocking because gardening seems to be a relaxing activity for many after a long day of work. however, this type of long-term and multi-generational effect forces on to question the effects of other pesticides. Thus, one begins to wonder whether gardening is healthy and the oppossing party may say that the general public is getting too paranoid and needs to live life to the fullest. This post brings up many questions that may be linked, if a bit too loosely.
For those of you who are like me and are reading this post and wondering where this stuff can be found and how much is out there, I found this. Apparently, this fungicide was introduced in the 70's to protect vineyards and most any crop worldwide. Also, it was said to have no acute affects on humans, but obviously that is no longer the case. As for how much is out there, the most recent data I found was in 2001 and it said there were more than 64 tons of the fungicide used in the US alone. So just another good reason to go organic.
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