A recent study conducted by the Environmental Working Group has revealed concerning findings regarding the prevalence of chlormequat, a little-known pesticide, in the bodies of individuals. The study, which was published in the Journal of Exposure Science and Environmental Epidemiology, tested the urine of 96 individuals and discovered chlormequat in 77 of them, indicating a high prevalence of the chemical.

The lead author of the study, EWG Toxicologist Alexis Temkin, Ph.D, expressed alarm at the widespread presence of this understudied pesticide in the population, highlighting the potential risks it poses to human health. Animal studies have linked chlormequat to reproductive and developmental issues, raising concerns about its impact on human health.

Of particular concern is the increase in chlormequat levels found in urine samples collected in 2023 compared to previous years, suggesting a potential rise in consumer exposure to the pesticide. While current EPA regulations limit the use of chlormequat to ornamental plants and prohibit its use on food crops in the U.S., regulatory changes under the Trump administration have allowed its use on imported oats and other foods, potentially contributing to increased exposure.

Additionally, the Biden administration’s proposed expansion of chlormequat use on barley, oats, triticale, and wheat has raised further apprehension. The Environmental Working Group has voiced opposition to this proposal, emphasizing the need for rigorous monitoring and regulation of pesticides to safeguard public health.

The study’s findings underscore the crucial role of government agencies in overseeing the use of potentially harmful chemicals in food production and the importance of prioritizing public health in regulatory decisions. As concerns about chlormequat continue to mount, it is imperative for regulatory bodies to take proactive measures to mitigate the potential health risks associated with its widespread presence in the food supply.