What if your drinking water could induce a sex change?

In some parts of the country, it can. According to a recent article in the Chicago Tribune, atrazine, an agricultural weedkiller has been found at high levels in drinking water during growing season in several Midwest farming states. Studies on the chemical have shown that exposure to small amounts can turn male frogs into female frogs.  It’s frightening to imagine what long-term exposure might do to humans.

This is not the first time sex-changing chemicals in water have raised concerns. In 2003, the Potomac River was found to contain large numbers of fish with intersex – a condition in which male fish develop premature egg cells. Further study attributed the condition to the presence of endocrine-disrupting chemicals which mimic or block the production of hormones – chemicals found in pharmaceuticals, pesticides and herbicides like atrazine.

The degree to which these chemicals are harmful to humans is currently in debate. Manufacturers of atrazine maintain that their studies say the product is safe (not surprisingly.)  Outside studies, however, have raised enough alarm to move the Obama administration to further review the substance, which may lead to tighter restrictions.

Meanwhile, you continue to drink water polluted with atrazine (and who knows what else?). And by the time the government decides to take action you’ve developed…

Well, I won’t even go there.

Bottled water may seem like the answer, but the toxic BPA in many plastic bottles has been said to mimic estrogen, and is therefore also labeled a “gender bender.” Not to mention, bottled water is expensive. Looking for a solution that will save you money along with your sex organs?

Move to Europe, where they don’t spray atrazine. Or, better yet, just filter your water. (I bet you knew I was going to say that, didn’t you?) Jokes aside, Filters Fast carries several brands of refrigerator filters, undersink water filters and water faucet filters that remove large amounts of atrizine, as well as other pesticides and harmful chemicals, from your water. Before you buy, use this Watersafe All-in-One Drinking Water Test Kit to determine how much of these pollutants your water contains.