In poor Granadians, decades after the pesticide was banned?
“In a paper recently published in the journal Environmental Research, researchers demonstrate that people with higher concentrations of DDE –the main metabolite in the pesticide DDT– are four times more likely to develop type 2 diabetes than other people. In addition, the risk of type 2 diabetes is also associated with exposure to β-HCH (beta-Hexachlorocyclohexane), which is present in the formula of the pesticide Lindano.” [Media release]
A “sort-of-sound theory”. I would note that the study included Lindane, in addition to DDT, residue. Lindane persists in small quantities world wide even though it is no longer used. Concentrations in fat tissues do occur. The write-up really doesn’t tell us much about the study, so it’s hard to say if it’s a sound theory or not without reading the journal publication. It’s also one study–if it can’t be repeated, it’s problematic. There is a worldwide increase in Type 2 diabetes so this study would have to be replicated in many, many places before it is given the “sound” label.
Two notes:
First, IF this theory is true, then not gaining weight is the best way to avoid Type 2 diabetes, which is precisely the what people are being told. Less fat means less chemical concentration, I believe. Other than weight control, there is really nothing one can do. They are trying to clean up some of the remaining chemical.
Second, on cleaning up chemicals: GMO plants are being studied to selectively degrade chemical pollutants. One article I read on LIndane said this was a promising idea for cleaning up the lindane. If we can get past the GMO phobic, this could be a good thing.
This sounds like a better explanation then Rachel’s “DDT killed the eagles”, or am I just being bamboozled?
Is this a sound “theory” or valid science?
Bill