Herbicide Exposure Rise In Indiana's Pregnant Women: What It Means

A recent study conducted by the Indiana University School of Medicine has uncovered concerning trends regarding herbicide exposure among pregnant women in the state. The study, which analyzed data from 2020 to 2022, found that a staggering 70% of pregnant women tested in Indiana had traces of the herbicide dicamba in their urine. 

This marks a significant increase from just 28% during a similar analysis conducted for the period 2010-2012.

The presence of dicamba, a widely used weedkiller in agriculture, is believed to be a direct result of chemical applications in farming practices. Alarmingly, the study also revealed that concentrations of dicamba in pregnant women's urine had increased more than fourfold over the years.

Additionally, the study found that 100% of the pregnant women tested had detectable levels of 2,4-dichloroacetic acid, commonly known as 2,4-D, in their urine. These findings shed light on the pervasive exposure to agricultural chemicals among pregnant women in Indiana.

Volatility of Dicamba Exposure

Dicamba, in particular, poses unique challenges due to its volatility when sprayed on farm fields. Capable of traveling far from where it is sprayed, exposure to dicamba does not necessarily occur only on or near a farm where it is applied. Since the introduction of dicamba-tolerant crops, the herbicide has been documented on non-target crops and even in areas miles away from fields, including on trees and in rain.

The implications of these findings are profound, furthering existing concerns about human exposure to chemicals used in agriculture. Scientists warn that such chemicals pose serious health risks, particularly to vulnerable populations like pregnant women and their unborn children.

Dicamba exposure, in particular, has been associated with an increased risk of liver and bile-duct cancers, adding to the growing body of evidence linking herbicide exposure to adverse health outcomes. While the effects of 2,4-D on humans are still being studied, animal research suggests potential risks, including low birth weights and behavioral changes in offspring, as well as an increased risk of lymphoma.

These findings underscore the urgent need for heightened awareness and regulation surrounding agricultural chemical use, especially in areas where pregnant women and children may be exposed. Efforts to mitigate exposure and protect public health must be prioritized to safeguard the well-being of those affected across Indiana and beyond.