Herbicides

Herbicides pose known health risks, such as the long-term risk of developing cancer or fertility problems.

Sources of exposure
Phenoxyacetic acids are classified as herbicides. They were first used in the 1940s, and have been used in agriculture since the mid-1950s. They are widely used in forestry and, to some extent, in home gardens and account for about 70% of the weedicides used. Therefore, these herbicides are of interest for surface and groundwater monitoring. Drinking water is also monitored in this respect.

Due to their high solubility in water and low sorption in soil, phenoxy acids are characterised by high mobility in soil. Therefore, they can easily enter groundwater and surface waters.

Its content in water varies. It depends, among other things, on the source of contamination and its distance from water and soil, climatic and geological factors, the type of herbicide and the frequency of application.

The phenoxy acid concentration in groundwater is much lower than that in surface water. Both are sources of drinking water. Phenoxyacids are endocrine active compounds that enter the human body through the gastrointestinal tract. Drinking water containing phenoxy acids poses a significant health risk.

Possible effects on health

Herbicides can have a number of negative effects on health and the environment if not used properly. Caution is necessary to reduce the long-term risk of disease. These are the most common consequences:
- Cancer or
- fertility problems.

Source:
https://www.waters.com/nextgen/ch/de/library/application-notes/2013/direct-quantification-acidic-herbicides-drinking-water-samples-ultra-sensitive-uplc-ms-ms-analysis.html
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6994553/