Birth defects often occur for no particular reason.  Some are due to genetic combinations acquired from parents, some may be environmentally induced, still others are, as yet, unexplainable. It has been fashionable for quite some time, both in the media and among various "do gooder" organizations, to list pesticide exposure as a cause of birth defects.  To date, very little factual data has been proffered by these groups, and what has come forth is more innuendo than fact.  Just to set the record straight, let's take a look at some known causes of birth defects.

About 35% of birth defects can be linked directly to chromosomal sources, biochemical abnormalities, disease, or environmental factors. All the rest are completely unexplainable. Yes, certain birth defects have been induced in lab animals by utilizing various chemicals.  The results, while scientifically interesting, are not immediately applicable to human interpretation.

Certain chemicals can - and often do - cause birth defects.  Chief among these are prescription medications, including thalidomide, isoretinoin, valporic acid, and others.  Compounds containing lead and mercury are high on the list, as well.  Non-prescription and illegal drugs can be just as bad, if not worse.  The sight of a “crack baby” going through withdrawal is not a pretty sight, nor are the long-term side effects, including decreased mental ability.

Let's not forget tobacco and alcohol!  While these materials appear in products which are distributed under government license or taxation policies, enough is known of their effects that doctors warn pregnant users to cease or seriously reduce their usage, in order to avoid premature birth, low birth weight and inferior mental development.

Radiation is a known cause of birth defects, as are certain viruses, including German Measles.  Even cat feces, which carry a parasite called Toxoplasma, can cause birth defects.  This parasite can infect the placenta and the fetus, resulting in possible mental retardation and blindness [sorry, cat-lovers!].

The final known cause of birth defects is us: the potentially lethal genes which we carry in almost every cell of our bodies.  Almost, each sperm or egg produced by our bodies carries only one-half of our genetic code.  Depending on what traits are being carried by a potential partner, the potential combinations could be harmless or harmful, at least where certain birth defects are concerned.  Some of these birth defects can be detected and prepared for via prenatal testing, as with Downs Syndrome and spinal bifida.  If certain types of birth defects have occurred in your family, it is increasingly likely that they could occur again.

Certainly indicators, particularly the decreased number of stillbirths in America and Europe, and the decreased occurrence of neural tube defects, the most sensitive indicator of environmental fetal damage, over the past 15 years, are a good sign.

Pointing an accusatory finger at pesticides as being the causative agents of birth defects accomplishes nothing, other than to inflame the sensibilities of those who know better.  As we continue to educate our customers and the public about the benefits of pesticides, we expand the base of allies to pesticide use.