
Weedkiller ingredient widely used in US can damage organs and gut bacteria, research shows
The ingredient, diquat, is widely employed in the US as a weedkiller in vineyards and orchards, and is increasingly sprayed elsewhere as the use of controversial herbicide substances such as glyphosate and paraquat drops in the US.
But the new piece of data suggests diquat is more toxic than glyphosate, and the substance is banned over its risks in the UK, EU, China and many other countries. Still, the EPA has resisted calls for a ban, and Roundup formulas with the ingredient hit the shelves last year.
'From a human health perspective, this stuff is quite a bit nastier than glyphosate so we're seeing a regrettable substitution, and the ineffective regulatory structure is allowing it,' said Nathan Donley, science director with the Center For Biological Diversity, which advocates for stricter pesticide regulations but was not involved in the new research. 'Regrettable substitution' is a scientific term used to describe the replacement of a toxic substance in a consumer product with an ingredient that is also toxic.
Diquat is also thought to be a neurotoxin, carcinogen and linked to Parkinson's disease. An October analysis of EPA data by the Friends of the Earth non-profit found it is about 200 times more toxic than glyphosate in terms of chronic exposure.
Bayer, which makes Roundup, faced nearly 175,000 lawsuits alleging that the product's users were harmed by the product. Bayer, which bought Monsanto in 2018, reformulated Roundup after the International Agency for Research on Cancer classified glyphosate as a possible carcinogen.
The new review of scientific literature in part focuses on the multiple ways in which diquat damages organs and gut bacteria, including by reducing the level of proteins that are key pieces of the gut lining. The weakening can allow toxins and pathogens to move from the stomach into the bloodstream, and trigger inflammation in the intestines and throughout the body. Meanwhile, diquat can inhibit the production of beneficial bacteria that maintain the gut lining.
Damage to the lining also inhibits the absorption of nutrients and energy metabolism, the authors said.
The research further scrutinizes how the substance harms the kidneys, lungs and liver. Diquat 'causes irreversible structural and functional damage to the kidneys' because it can destroy kidney cells' membranes and interfere with cell signals. The effects on the liver are similar, and the ingredient causes the production of proteins that inflame the organ.
Meanwhile, it seems to attack the lungs by triggering inflammation that damages the organ's tissue. More broadly, the inflammation caused by diquat may cause multiple organ dysfunction syndrome, a scenario in which organ systems begin to fail.
The authors note that many of the studies are on rodents and more research on low, long-term exposure is needed. Bayer did not immediately respond to a request for comment.
Despite the risks amid a rise in diquat's use, the EPA is not reviewing the chemical, and even non-profits that push for tighter pesticide regulations have largely focused their attention elsewhere.
Donley said that was in part because US pesticide regulations are so weak that advocates are tied up with battles over ingredients like glyphosate, paraquat and chlorpyrifos – substances that are banned elsewhere but still widely used here. Diquat is 'overshadowed' by those ingredients.
'Other countries have banned diquat, but in the US we're still fighting the fights that Europe won 20 years ago,' Donley said. 'It hasn't gotten to the radar of most groups and that really says a lot about the sad and sorry state of pesticides in the US.'
Some advocates have accused the EPA of being captured by industry, and Donley said US pesticide laws were so weak that it was difficult for the agency to ban ingredients, even if the will exists. For example, the agency banned chlorpyrifos in 2022, but a court overturned the decision after industry sued.
Moreover, the EPA's pesticides office seems to have a philosophy that states that toxic pesticides are a 'necessary evil', Donley said.
'When you approach an issue from that lens there's only so much you will do,' he said.
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The Independent
10 minutes ago
- The Independent
Without EHCP, my son would not be here': Mother's plea to Labour against proposed SEND cuts
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The Sun
16 minutes ago
- The Sun
The 5 daily habits that slash the risk of UK's biggest killer
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But just as lifestyle can up your risk of disease, making simple tweaks to it can also boost your odds against CVD and The recipe for a healthy heart is made up of a few different habits, according to the British Heart Foundation's senior cardiac nurse Ruth Goss and the charity 's senior dietitian Dell Stanford. These can include sipping on coffee, paying attention to the timing of your meals - as well as their content - and living by the phrase "movement is medicine", the experts told The Independent. 1. Get moving for 30 minutes Ruth said: 'Whatever your age, being active now will have an immediate impact on your health, reducing your risk of heart and circulatory diseases. "It's never too late to increase your physical activity or start a new sport, regardless of how little you have exercised in the past.' The easy-to-miss signs of deadly heart problems She recommends doing at least 150 minutes of exercise a week - something that will get your heart pumping faster, such as a brisk walk, swimming, cycling, gardening or even cleaning. If that seems like a lot, you can work up to that gradually. "Doing just 30 minutes a day is a good way to reach 150 minutes a week," according to Ruth. Multiple studies have suggested sitting for extended periods, particularly exceeding 10 hours a day, can be especially detrimental to heart health. A sedentary lifestyle significantly increases the risk of cardiovascular issues like heart attacks and strokes by contributing to factors like high blood pressure, high cholesterol, and obesity. Consultant cardiologist Dr Jonathan Behar of King Edward VII's Hospital previously told Sun Health: "Even smaller things like walking up the escalators on my commute can help. "If it gets the blood pumping then it probably helps." 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"If it's very sugary, salty, or high in saturated fat, it's something to have infrequently and in small amounts." The timing of your meals is just as important as what you have on your plate, Dell went on. 'Studies have shown that even when people eat the same number of calories, the time of day they are eaten affects how they are used in the body," he said. "This difference could affect weight, cholesterol levels and blood sugar levels – all of which can affect your risk of heart and circulatory diseases. "Our body's circadian rhythms – its natural daily cycles – are designed for eating in the day and sleeping at night. If they are disrupted, this could have implications for our heart health." As a result, he advised having your last meal earlier in the day, rather than late at night. 3. Have coffee - but not too much Good news for coffee lovers - moderate amounts of it could boost heart health, according to Dell. 'One observational study found that consuming two or three cups of coffee a day could be good for you and may be linked to lower risk of CVD compared to drinking no coffee,' he said. 'In addition to caffeine, coffee contains polyphenols which may help reduce harmful inflammation and reduce CVD risk. "Research tells us that moderate amounts of caffeine shouldn't be a problem for most people.' Drinking more than four of five cups could dip you into less heart-healthy territory, as too much caffeine can increase blood pressure, heart rate, palpitations and anxiety. Recent research suggests the morning is the best time to enjoy your coffee. Scientists from Tulane University in New Orleans said caffeine in the afternoon or evening might disrupt the body clock and raise blood pressure 4. Stay hydrated It won't come a surprise that staying hydrated is good for your health. But making sure to drink water - as well as teas, coffees, low fat milk and sugar-free squash - can benefit your heart. 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A recent study warned that just three nights of bad sleep can increase the risk of a heart attack or stroke - even for "perfectly healthy" people. heart problems, according to the findings. Another study also warned that irregular sleep patterns can up the risk of heart attack - even in people managing to snooze eight hours a night. How to reduce your risk of heart attacks and stroke You can reduce your risk of heart attack and stroke with many of the same methods. Heart attacks and strokes, although affecting different organs of the body, are both what we call cardiovascular events. Both arise from similar underlying conditions, such as atherosclerosis —a buildup of fatty deposits in the arteries. According to the American Heart Association, the risk factors for heart attacks and strokes are largely the same: high blood pressure, high cholesterol, smoking, obesity, physical inactivity and diabetes. Therefore, addressing these risk factors can simultaneously reduce the risk of both conditions. Here are ways you can prevent the two: Healthy diet More fruit and veg: The DASH, which emphasises fruit, vegetables, whole grains and lean proteins, has been shown to reduce blood pressure and improve heart health. Less fats: Too much saturated and trans fats can raise cholesterol levels and increase the risk of atherosclerosis. Go for healthier fats like those found in olive oil, nuts, and avocados. Limit salt: High salt intake is linked to high blood pressure, a major risk factor for both heart attack and stroke. The NHS recommends no more than 6g of salt per day for adults. Fibre: Foods high in soluble fibre, such as oats and beans, can help lower cholesterol levels. Exercise Walking, running, cycling, swimming - whatever you like, do it! Aerobic exercise can strengthen the heart and improve circulation. The NHS advises at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity aerobic activity or 75 minutes of vigorous-intensity activity each week. Strength training exercises can help control weight, improve cholesterol levels, and reduce blood pressure. It is recommended twice a week by the NHS. Manage blood pressure Healthy diet and exercise can help keep your blood pressure in check. But it is worth monitoring it yourself after the age of 40, at least, when the NHS invites adults for a check-up every five years. High blood pressure often has no symptoms but significantly increases the risk of heart attack and stroke. Quit smoking One of the best ways to quit smoking is to use resources provided by NHS Smokefree. Support groups, medications, and other tools to help quit smoking such as vapes could be what you need to kick the habit for good - and it's free. Limit booze Excessive alcohol consumption can increase blood pressure and contribute to weight gain, which can snowball and become a heart health risk. The NHS recommends not regularly drinking more than 14 units of alcohol per week.


Daily Mail
18 minutes ago
- Daily Mail
Doctors warn millions of people will be diagnosed with stomach cancer because of common infection
A common bacteria responsible for almost half of stomach cancer cases in the UK could kill millions in the coming years, top scientists have warned. Called Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori), infection with the bug is now estimated to cause 76 per cent of stomach cancers worldwide. Experts warn that many people infected with the bacteria—which infests the lining of the stomach and causes damage to tissue that can lead to cancer—show no obvious symptoms beyond relatively common ailments like indigestion, bloating or nausea. The team is now calling for increased screening for the bacteria, which can be detected in blood and breath test or via a stool sample in a bid save lives. Scientists from the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC)—part of the World Health Organisation —warned if nothing was done nearly 12million people across the globe born between 2008 and 2017 will develop stomach cancer due to H. pylori. This, they said, represented just over three quarters of all cases of the cancer. H. pylori is thought to be spread from person to person via contaminated food and water as well caring for those who become ill. Studies have previously found 40 per cent of Britons are infected with H. pylori, but this is thought to be on the decrease. The vast majority of these patients—between eight-to-nine out of 10—will show no symptoms meaning they have no idea they are infected. H. pylori can rarely cause the development of painful stomach ulcers which is usually when most patients learn they are infected. While the IARC scientists said the majority of the predicted 12million stomach cancer cases linked to the bug will be in Asia, 2million will develop in the Americas and 1.2million in Europe. Data from British charity Cancer Research UK (CRUK) suggests 41 per cent of the UK's 6,500 annual stomach cancer cases are caused by H. pylori, about 2,700 cases a year. Studies suggest being infected with the bacteria increases the risk of developing stomach cancer six-fold, although appropriate treatment like antibiotics, dramatically reduces this. Writing in the journal Nature Medicine, the IARC scientists called for greater investment in population testing for H. pylori to find those silently infected with the bacteria and offer them treatment. In the study itself, the team examined current rates of stomach cancer in 185 countries in 2022 and used that to project the number of cases in the coming years. They also found 75 per cent of stomach cancer cases could be prevented globally by the introduction of screening programmes. Dr Jin Young Park, an author of the study and leader of the gastric cancer prevention team at IARC, said: 'It is essential that health authorities make gastric cancer prevention a priority and accelerate efforts to control it by planning pilot and feasibility projects, including H. pylori screen-and-treat programmes.' But CRUK said Britons should not be too concerned about potential infection with H. pylori as it was not a particularly common bug in the UK. Instead, the charity's health information manager Dr Rachel Orritt said the public needed to beware of more preventable lifestyle factors that increase stomach cancer risk. 'Although this is an important issue worldwide, in the UK other preventable factors cause more cancer cases,' she said. 'Ways to reduce your cancer risk include stopping smoking, keeping a healthy weight, cutting down on alcohol and eating a healthy, balanced diet.' The charity estimates that just over half (54 per cent) of all stomach cancers are preventable. CRUK also noted that stomach cancer cases in the population have fallen by more than quarter over the last decade and are projected to fall further. The main symptoms of stomach cancer include heartburn or acid reflux, having problems swallowing, feeling or being sick, indigestion and burping and feeling full very quickly when eating. These symptoms are common and usually caused by other conditions but patients who have had them for over three weeks should contact their GP for advice, Other symptoms include loss of appetite or losing weight without trying, stomach pain, a lump feeling at the top of the stomach and feeling very tired. About 18 Britons and 83 Americans are diagnosed with stomach cancer each day. The disease kills just over 4,200 patients in the UK each year, with the death toll rising to nearly 11,000 in the US. Only about one in six patients with stomach cancer (17 per cent) are expected to still be alive 10 years after their diagnosis. About one in 92 men and one in 170 women in the UK are estimated to develop stomach cancer in their lifetime.