Southeast Center for Agriculture Health and Injury Prevention: Triazine Herbicides and Birth Defects in Kentucky

Studies have shown that pesticides, in particular herbicides such as atrazine, may be associated with birth defects, possibly due to their endocrine disrupting activity. Kentucky is a relatively rural state with heavy use of agrichemicals, particularly in certain regions. The primary objective of this proposal is to investigate the variability of the use of atrazine and other triazine herbicides in Kentucky associated with their presence in water systems]well and spring water, surface water (lakes, rivers, and streams), and municipal water supplies. The variability in triazine usage and levels in water systems will be evaluated for association with various birth defects across the state by county of residence and region.