Rep. Ellison Reintroduces Bill Banning Atrazine

Press Release

Rep. Keith Ellison (D-Minn.) has reintroduced legislation to ban the herbicide atrazine, a potent toxin that is the most prevalent herbicide found in Minnesota's waters. This is the fourth time Ellison has introduced the legislation.

Atrazine has been found to be harmful to humans, mammals, and amphibians even when the amount used is less than the government allows. Atrazine is used nationwide to kill broadleaf and grassy weeds, primarily in corn crops. The U.S. Geological Survey has found atrazine in approximately 75 percent of stream waters and 40 percent of ground waters sampled near agricultural areas.

"In America, no one should have to worry that the water they drink might cause causing birth defects in their children or make them sick," said Rep. Ellison. "Europe has had laws in place for decades banning this dangerous pesticide. We need to remove toxins like atrazine from our waterways."

Atrazine can have devastating consequences for communities across the country, including infertility, low birth weight, and abnormal limb developments in infants. The U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service acknowledges that the chemical may also harm the reproductive and endocrine systems in fish species.

A 2009 investigation by the New York Times found that many towns have seen spikes in atrazine contamination of drinking water that can cause birth defects. The same study found that 8.5 percent of Minnesotans are exposed to atrazine in their water. In states such as Kansas, those levels are as high as 70 percent of the population. Germany and Italy banned atrazine use in 1991 and Euro zone health officials banned its use in 2003.

"Atrazine is unnecessary for farmers, poisonous for frogs and other water wildlife, and is increasingly linked to human harm including birth defects," said Jennifer Sass, a senior scientist with the Natural Resources Defense Council. "The math isn't adding up - crop benefits with atrazine are minimal to none, while America's rural families are taking the brunt of the health risks, including poor sperm quality in men, and birth defects in babies. This bill will help reduce water contamination from a dangerous and unnecessary pesticide, and protect the health of Americans, especially farmers and their families that are most highly exposed to atrazine."

"There is no reason to continue using a pesticide like atrazine when we know the risk it presents to our water and to human health and there are safer alternatives available," said Deanna White, Minnesota State Director for Clean Water Action. "Pesticides present a real health risk and we applaud Congressman Ellison for taking on this critical fight to protect our health and our environment

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