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The Effects of Herbicide on Animals

The use of herbicides has long been thought to be safe for use by humans and to have minimal impact on the environment. More recent studies have shown evidence of harmful effects from exposure to the chemical that are evident in humans and animals. Recent discoveries have shown herbicide exposure to have observable effects on amphibians. Researchers have proven that extended exposure to certain herbicidal chemicals has a significant impact on fertility and sexual development in amphibians and mammals, including humans.

  1. Low Toxicity

    • Most herbicides, especially those more recently developed, are very plant specific and of low toxicity to mammals, according to the Merck Veterinary Manual. Concern in the scientific community does exist around the involvement of herbicides with food-producing animals. Indirectly consuming these chemicals through the process of eating meat and dairy could have possible long-term effects on humans.

    Large Doses

    • Harm and illness can occur from the ingestion or consumption of large amounts of herbicide chemicals. Herbicide poisoning can lead to illness and subtle or drastic changes in behavior. Direct diagnosis can be difficult, says Merck, since symptoms may be general or appear over time. In these cases it is often the fault of the pet owner for not properly storing the chemical in a sealed container.

    Amphibian Populations

    • Researchers from the University of Ottawa have shown that the herbicidal chemical atrazine is harmful to frog species and populations. Researchers discovered that prolonged exposure to levels of the chemical, previously thought acceptable, has an effect on the sexual development of the species by preventing some subjects from advancing past the tadpole stage. Another visible effect on frogs is that of a reduced number of males in an effected population.

    Effects on Humans

    • The same herbicidal chemical atrazine that has been shown to impede sexual development in frogs has also been shown to have similar effects on humans by altering natural hormone activity. Researchers from the University of California San Francisco found that exposure to the chemical can potentially increase the possibility of low birth weight as well as infertility in women. Early exposure to developing fetuses could potentially have permanent physiological repercussions.

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