Latest news with #4-D
Daily Mail
19 hours ago
- Health
- Daily Mail
Map shows US states with highest use of harmful pesticides
You may think you're being healthy by filling your plate with fruits and vegetables, but experts are warning the nutritious staples may actually be covered in cancer-causing chemicals. Based on the most recent data collected by the US Geological Survey in 2019, harvesters across Iowa, Missouri, Kansas, Illinois, Indiana, Ohio, Kentucky, Oklahoma and parts of Texas have been using the toxic herbicide 2,4-D at high amounts. Due to its ability to completely destroy vegetation, the International Agency for Research on Cancer classified 2,4-D as a 'possible human carcinogen' in 2015. The classification came as a result of multiple studies suggesting that high exposure to the herbicide could damage human cells and was seen to cause cancer in animals. While direct exposure to Pesticide 2,4-D is rare for most Americans, the toxins from the herbicide can accumulate in the body through eating unwashed grains and other crops. And while the chemical may only be used on crops in select states, the crops from those states are shipped nationwide - indicating that all Americans are at a risk. David Goldsmith, an environmental epidemiologist at George Washington University in Washington, DC, said: 'The public needs to be informed and vigilant about the use of herbicides, keeping them away from children and schools.' He told Newsweek : 'I am concerned if farmers or farmworkers are not using effective safety gear and thus may be excessively exposed via inhalation or skin contact. 'I am also concerned that 2,4-D may contaminate drinking water sources. Although, I believe that there is a direct risk for people who buy produce from fields that have had 2,4-D used on them.' Talking about why the herbicide was being heavily used only in certain states, Gurumurthy Ramachandran, director of the Johns Hopkins Education and Research Center for Occupational Safety and Health noted that it was due to their particular type of produce. He said: 'The Midwest, Great Plains, and Northwestern US have the highest 2,4-D usage, largely because these regions are the primary producers of corn, soybeans, wheat, and other field crops that are commonly treated with 2,4-D.' No usage of the toxic pesticide was seen in states such as California - known for producing artichokes, broccoli, carrots and lettuce - and states in the New England region. Sparse use of 2,4-D was reported in Idaho, Montana, Washington, Arizona, New Mexico and Wyoming - all known for producing onions, potatoes, carrots, lentils, sweet corn, beans, peppers and pumpkins. The data also showed low use by farmers in Florida, North Dakota, South Dakota and Wisconsin, where agricultural produce is mostly focused on celery, peas, brussels sprouts, okra, radishes, summer squash, winter squash, tomatoes and cucumbers. Shockingly, data from the CDC also shows that Kentucky has the high rates of cancer in the US - particularly lung, colon and pancreatic cancers - followed closely by Iowa and Louisiana. Federal agencies across the US, including the Environmental Protection Agency, have deemed 2,4-D as safe for humans, despite research suggesting otherwise. While not completely banned across the entire European Union, 2,4-D is heavily restricted and its use is significantly curtailed in many countries in the region. In one such instance, the herbicide not been approved for use on lawns and gardens in countries like Denmark and Norway. A 2022 BMC study found that one in three Americans had higher than acceptable levels of exposure to the toxic herbicide and were at the risk of leukemia in children, birth defects and reproductive problems in adults. According to Natural Resources Defense Council, scientists have also previously found links between exposure to 2,4-D and non-Hodgkin's lymphoma (a form of blood cancer) and sarcoma (a soft-tissue cancer). Additionally, the agency warned that high exposure to the herbicide can negatively alter the functioning of various hormones including estrogen, androgen, and thyroid hormones - paving the way for the development for cancer. Gerald LeBlanc, a professor in the Department of Biological Sciences, North Carolina State University, told Newsweek: 'IARC has classified 2,4-D as a Group 2B carcinogen, which means that it is possibly carcinogenic to humans. 'In my estimation, 2,4-D might cause cancer in humans, but only at unrealistically high exposure levels.' However, it is possible that the herbicide can cause internal body damage over time if consumed through foods. Toxins are often stored in fat tissues, organs such as the liver and kidneys and even within nerve cells and bone marrow when ingested. An overload of harmful toxins in the body can eventually cause fatal damage to cells, tissue and crucial organs.
Daily Mail
20 hours ago
- Health
- Daily Mail
America's silent poisoning: Map shows the US states most at risk
You may think you're being healthy by filling your plate with fruits and vegetables, but experts are warning the nutritious staples may actually be covered in cancer-causing chemicals. Based on the most recent data collected by the US Geological Survey in 2019, harvesters across Iowa, Missouri, Kansas, Illinois, Indiana, Ohio, Kentucky, Oklahoma and parts of Texas have been using the toxic herbicide 2,4-D at high amounts. The chemical was an active component in Agent Orange - the defoliant used by American forces during the Vietnam War to destroy forestry and crops - and is now a widely used herbicide to control the growth of weeds around crops. Farmers across the Midwest and southern states typically spray the pesticide over corn plants, soybeans, rice, wheat, hay, barley, oats, rye, sugarcane and tobacco. Due to its ability to completely destroy vegetation, the International Agency for Research on Cancer classified 2,4-D as a 'possible human carcinogen' in 2015. The classification came as a result of multiple studies suggesting that high exposure to the herbicide could damage human cells and was seen to cause cancer in animals. While direct exposure to Pesticide 2,4-D is rare for most Americans, the toxins from the herbicide can accumulate in the body through eating unwashed grains and other crops. And while the chemical may only be used on crops in select states, the crops from those states are shipped nationwide - indicating that all Americans are at a risk. David Goldsmith, an environmental epidemiologist at George Washington University in Washington, DC, said: 'The public needs to be informed and vigilant about the use of herbicides, keeping them away from children and schools.' He told Newsweek: 'I am concerned if farmers or farmworkers are not using effective safety gear and thus may be excessively exposed via inhalation or skin contact. 'I am also concerned that 2,4-D may contaminate drinking water sources. Although, I believe that there is a direct risk for people who buy produce from fields that have had 2,4-D used on them.' Talking about why the herbicide was being heavily used only in certain states, Gurumurthy Ramachandran, director of the Johns Hopkins Education and Research Center for Occupational Safety and Health noted that it was due to their particular type of produce. He said: 'The Midwest, Great Plains, and Northwestern US have the highest 2,4-D usage, largely because these regions are the primary producers of corn, soybeans, wheat, and other field crops that are commonly treated with 2,4-D.' No usage of the toxic pesticide was seen in states such as California - known for producing artichokes, broccoli, carrots and lettuce - and states in the New England region. Sparse use of 2,4-D was reported in Idaho, Montana, Washington, Arizona, New Mexico and Wyoming - all known for producing onions, potatoes, carrots, lentils, sweet corn, beans, peppers and pumpkins. The data also showed low use by farmers in Florida, North Dakota, South Dakota and Wisconsin, where agricultural produce is mostly focused on celery, peas, brussels sprouts, okra, radishes, summer squash, winter squash, tomatoes and cucumbers. Shockingly, data from the CDC also shows that Kentucky has the high rates of cancer in the US - particularly lung, colon and pancreatic cancers - followed closely by Iowa and Louisiana. Federal agencies across the US, including the Environmental Protection Agency, have deemed 2,4-D as safe for humans, despite research suggesting otherwise. While not completely banned across the entire European Union, 2,4-D is heavily restricted and its use is significantly curtailed in many countries in the region. In one such instance, the herbicide not been approved for use on lawns and gardens in countries like Denmark and Norway. A 2022 BMC study found that one in three Americans had higher than acceptable levels of exposure to the toxic herbicide and were at the risk of leukemia in children, birth defects and reproductive problems in adults. According to Natural Resources Defense Council, scientists have also previously found links between exposure to 2,4-D and non-Hodgkin's lymphoma (a form of blood cancer) and sarcoma (a soft-tissue cancer). Additionally, the agency warned that high exposure to the herbicide can negatively alter the functioning of various hormones including estrogen, androgen, and thyroid hormones - paving the way for the development for cancer. Gerald LeBlanc, a professor in the Department of Biological Sciences, North Carolina State University, told Newsweek: 'IARC has classified 2,4-D as a Group 2B carcinogen, which means that it is possibly carcinogenic to humans. 'In my estimation, 2,4-D might cause cancer in humans, but only at unrealistically high exposure levels.' However, it is possible that the herbicide can cause internal body damage over time if consumed through foods. Toxins are often stored in fat tissues, organs such as the liver and kidneys and even within nerve cells and bone marrow when ingested. An overload of harmful toxins in the body can eventually cause fatal damage to cells, tissue and crucial organs. Ramachandran noted: 'The issue is that pesticides can remain on or in food, and chronic dietary exposure has been linked to increased risks of metabolic syndrome, cancers, and other health problems. 'They can also contaminate water, air, and soil, potentially affecting people living near treated fields or those exposed through drift and runoff.' As a result, he advised Americans to 'wash all fruits and vegetables thoroughly before consumption; consider choosing organic produce to reduce dietary pesticide exposure, especially for children and pregnant women; and avoid entering fields or areas recently treated with pesticides and follow posted warnings.'
Medscape
11-06-2025
- Health
- Medscape
Autonomy in Practice: Trauma-Informed Pelvic Exams
'I just can't do it.' My patient, a 43-year-old woman with a history of childhood sexual abuse and young adult assault, sat across from me, her shoulders hunched. She'd avoided pelvic exams for years, despite her desire for cervical cancer screening. Even scheduling an appointment triggered panic and dissociation. Years of therapy — including eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR) — had helped, but not enough. Previous providers, even those she trusted, had 'gotten the job done' while ignoring her pleas to slow down or stop. Sadly, her experience is all too common. Why Trauma-Informed Exams Matter To many clinicians, pelvic exams are routine. But for patients with a history of trauma — sexual, medical, or both — pelvic exams can feel terrifying and impossible. Even well-intentioned can fall short if they move too quickly or miss subtle cues. Traditional models prioritize efficiency and focus on 'getting it done,' often at the expense of patient comfort and agency. And let's be honest: The legacy of medicine has not always inspired trust. For female patients, the impact of historic injustices like nonconsensual gynecologic procedures on enslaved women or the abuses of Dr Larry Nassar continue to reverberate — especially among marginalized communities. For many, mistrust of medical settings is not just personal, but generational. What the Literature Offers (and What It Doesn't) General guidance on trauma-informed care is plentiful but rarely offers concrete, actionable, step-by-step guidance on treating patients who have severe trauma responses with pelvic exams. Talli Rosenbaum's mindfulness-based pelvic floor physical therapy stands out as a specific protocol for working with clients with sexual pain. As a sexual medicine specialist, I also wanted to develop a process rooted in patient autonomy, explicit consent, and nonexploitation — skills that benefit patients in medical settings as well as in their sexual relationships. I designed my approach to: Equip patients with self-advocacy tools. Teach patients their rights, such as requesting an exam under anesthesia or their right to stop a medical procedure at any time. Coach patients on how to use clear, assertive language to communicate their needs effectively to medical providers. Teach patients their rights, such as requesting an exam under anesthesia or their right to stop a medical procedure at any time. Coach patients on how to use clear, assertive language to communicate their needs effectively to medical providers. Honor the body's wisdom. I've explored a variety of trauma-informed approaches, including Somatic Experiencing, Eugene Gendlin's Focusing, and Gina Ogden's 4-D Wheel, and these modalities sharpened my ability to notice subtle bodily signals. By recognizing these signals, providers can help their patients listen to the quiet voice of their body's discomfort before it escalates and needs to 'shout.' I've explored a variety of trauma-informed approaches, including Somatic Experiencing, Eugene Gendlin's Focusing, and Gina Ogden's 4-D Wheel, and these modalities sharpened my ability to notice subtle bodily signals. By recognizing these signals, providers can help their patients listen to the quiet voice of their body's discomfort before it escalates and needs to 'shout.' Make space for internal conflicts. Internal Family Systems language helps patients acknowledge the parts of themselves that seek healing alongside those that deeply fear vulnerability. My Protocol: Principles and Process Three core principles shape my patient encounters: No exam unless necessary for the patient's goals or questions. Proceed only if the exam aligns with your collaborative care plan and if the patient explicitly consents. The patient is in control of every step of the exam. Encourage self-advocacy and support and validate any request to slow down or pause the process at any point. No enduring is allowed. Although we cannot guarantee that a patient won't experience moments of discomfort, we can shift, adjust, or stop if anything feels mentally, emotionally, or physically uncomfortable. We do not want any patient 'white-knuckling it' through the exam. Share these core principles with your patient before any exam. Then, describe the exam in detail and ask the patient if there are any components they'd like to adjust or exclude. Stepwise, Patient-Led Approach Assessment and window of tolerance. Start in a talking office — not the exam room — to establish the patient's 'window of tolerance,' which is the range in which patients can engage without shutting down or becoming overwhelmed. Ask the patient, 'How will I know you're uncomfortable?' and 'How does your body let you know when it's not okay?' During medical exams, individuals with a history of trauma can unknowingly push through their body's early warning system. To avoid escalation, together we identify early signs of discomfort (eg, elevated heart rate, shallow breathing, muscle tension, mental haze) and plan on grounding techniques (eg, breathing exercises, humming, orienting) we can implement if or when they arise. Gradual exposure. Proceed step by step. First describe the exam, then have the patient imagine the exam, then enter the exam room, and continue to advance in that fashion. Each session progresses only as far as the patient's window of tolerance allows. Cultivating interoception. Treat early warnings as vital information. If a patient notices and reports a sensation of discomfort, welcome it as an important indicator that something in the environment needs to shift. If a patient gets the 'shakes' after accomplishing a difficult step, reframe this reaction as a sign of resilience, as the body has completed a stress cycle. Celebrate every act of self-advocacy and rehearse how to communicate needs to future providers, reinforcing the notion that the patient is the expert on their lived experience. Environmental adjustments. Encourage patients to bring a support person, a warm blanket, music, or even a stuffed animal. Simple changes like covering anatomical diagrams or putting fun socks on the footrests can make a substantial difference. What Success Looks Like After 15 sessions, a 39-year-old with lifelong medical anxiety who experienced panic during her first pelvic exam at 21 years of age went from viewing her anxiety as insurmountable to tolerating a full pelvic exam with the support of her partner. Thanks to this trauma-informed approach, we were able to complete the pelvic exam and identify a manageable muscular issue. Another patient, who'd experienced a psychogenic seizure during her first pelvic exam, completed a Pap smear by the seventh session. We discovered that her initial psychogenic seizure was probably due to a typical vasovagal response. As a result of our sessions, she now uses grounding tools with new providers — proudly advocating for herself in both medical and personal settings. At the end of our sessions, my female patients often tearfully ask, 'Why isn't it always this way?' Barriers and Realities Let's not sugarcoat it: The doctor-patient power imbalance is real and demands our constant vigilance. Furthermore, systemic barriers such as limited time, inadequate space, and liability-driven policies often make trauma-informed approaches challenging to implement in routine care. Although not every provider may be able to fully adopt a practice like this, we can all work to move the field toward more patient-led, trauma-informed care. Ultimately, the goal is a future where trauma-informed exams are the norm, not the exception. Takeaway for Clinicians Clinicians should screen for past traumas of all types and recognize that routine medical care is inherently vulnerable and boundary crossing; as such, trauma responses will inevitably arise. We all need to be prepared with tools and attitudes that can help our patients move through them. So, the next time you perform a pelvic exam: Slow down. Center consent and bodily autonomy. Listen to bodily cues, not just spoken words. Equip yourself with tools to help patients when trauma responses are activated. Empower patients to lead the process. Evaluate the necessity of your planned exams and always explain their rationale. Collaborate with the patient to create an environment for exams that feels empowering and safe. Let's move away from 'getting it done' and start 'getting it right.'
