I read a Dr. Mercola article a few months ago and was so stunned I shared it with a few friends who had experienced some bull development problems, as a partial explanation for what had caused the infertility issues their bulls had experienced.
For those of you who live "across-the-road" from where this and other pesticides/herbicides are used, the problem is enhanced, shall we say. The following is an excerpt from the Mercola article...
"Independent research4 shows atrazine causes hermaphroditism in frogs (turning males into egg-laying females) by inducing an enzyme called aromatase, which causes overproduction of estrogen. For this reason, atrazine is also suspected of contributing to breast cancer. Research has also shown atrazine:
- Blocks testosterone production
- Is a potent endocrine disruptor
- Chemically castrates wildlife and causes sexual reproductive problems in a wide range of animals, including mammals, birds, fish and amphibians
- Induces miscarriage in laboratory rodents
- Reduces immune function in animals
Studies looking at human cells and tissues suggest the chemical likely poses similar threats to human health. For example, one study linked atrazine exposure in utero to impaired sexual development in young boys, causing genital deformations, including microphallus (micropenis)."
My first concern is for you and your family. Beyond that, it is time to question why you choose live so close to these chemicals. Second, the toxic Epi-Genetics of your location don't allow full Genetic expression in your animals.
I use Redmond Conditioner as a first line of defense against these chemicals. I use it both, on the land to bind toxins in place, andin the mineral box to pull toxins that may have gotten into my animals, BEFORE they have a chance to have their negative effects. I have seen the Conditioner pull Roundup out of another man's heifers when all they had to eat was Roundup-Ready alfalfa. I don't have any first-hand experience with it's effectiveness with Atrazine.
Now that you have a little more information a problem arises. Do I ignore it or do I ACT on it?