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Pesticides may be more dangerous than testing reveals, study finds

by John Peterson Myers

Many other "inert" ingredients in the testing of pesticides are added to the
formulation that is actually sold. The inert ingredients can magnify the affect
of active ingredients. A new study shows that the active ingredients of
commercially sold pesticides can make pesticides more dangerous to cells.

Eight commercial products out of nine tested were hundreds of times more
toxic than their active ingredient alone when tested.

Tests of pesticide safety are carried out only on the active ingredient, which is
the chemical that targets the pest. Pesticides sold to consumers and farmers
are complex mixtures of other chemicals deemed "inert," which means these
additives don't have biological effects.

When scientist exposed the cell line to the active ingredient to three
herbicides, three insecticides and three fungicides, and exposed it to the
commercial formulation containing the inert ingredient, it has a significant
implication then safety standards may not be protective of human health.

From most to least toxic

1.

fungicides

2. herbicides (glyphosate)- to kill weeds, gardens and crops (ex. Soybeans &
corn)
3. insecticides