Do you know pyrethroid pesticides? Behind this barbaric name are synthetic chemicals well known to farmers, forest rangers and horticulturalists. Very useful when it comes to eradicating mosquitoes, spiders, snakes and bees, pyrethroids are – theoretically – safe for most mammals, cats and rats except. Theoretically. Because a new study, conducted by a team of researchers from the Cincinnati Children’s Hospital (United States) is likely to tarnish their reputation.
The researchers, who published their work in the scientific journal Environmental Health, analyzed the state of health of 687 children (boys and girls) aged 8 to 15 years for 1 year. Verdict: Those who had abnormally high levels of pyrethroid pesticides in their urine (identified by the presence of a biomarker, 3-PBA) also had more behavioral disorders,hyperactivity, notably. A result that only applies to little boys, however.
An impact on the production of dopamine
“Previous studies in mice have shown that pyrethroid pesticides have an impact on the production of dopamine, a neurohormone primarily produced in the hypothalamus, explains pediatrician Tanya Froehlich, lead author of the study. And dopamine influences the production of adrenaline. “
If, for the moment, there are no regulations governing the concentration of pesticides in France or in Europe, caution is still in order …
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