Glyphosate, an agrochemical used in agriculture, has been detected in the blood of five children from Dzonot Carretero and Cabichén in Tizimín, prompting further investigation into its presence in other communities.
Gamaliel Canto Dzul, president of the Local Livestock Association Specialized in Apiculture and Meliponiculture of Tizimín (Agleam), announced that the scope of sampling will be expanded to include other localities in the state. The decision was made after glyphosate residues were found in the soil and water near extensive cornfields, as well as in the urine of children who tested positive.
The apiculture leader explained that the investigation was initially focused on understanding the impact of agrochemicals on bee mortality cases, but has since expanded to include its potential effects on human health. He noted that glyphosate was detected in wells, cenotes, and water bodies in two communities, prompting further testing to determine the severity of the problem.
Jaime Rendón Von Osten, a chemist-pharmacobiologist, presented initial findings of his research, which will be used to inform further investigation. Canto Dzul emphasized that the indiscriminate use of agrochemicals spread by air affects not only the surrounding environment but also the people living nearby.
“We cannot say anything without evidence,” he said. “Now we have a basis and are developing lines of research that will lead us to a result.”
He acknowledged that the contamination could be caused by various factors, including parents who misuse agrochemicals, store them in their homes, work in cultivation areas, or live near fields that have been sprayed with these toxins.
Canto Dzul emphasized the need to determine whether the water consumed in homes is contaminated and if so, what the impact on human health might be. “If the water is contaminated, they are ingesting water with glyphosate,” he said. “This needs to be determined at some point.”
He also highlighted the importance of understanding the impact of agrochemicals on ecosystems and human health, particularly in the eastern region of the state.
“We need to do more extensive work to understand both the impact and repercussions on the bee population and human health,” Canto Dzul said. “We will continue working on this investigation until we understand the reality in the eastern region.”
TYT Newsroom
