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Azoxystrobin

Summary

What it is

Common uses

Public Perception

Anxiety level

Cultural claims

Source sentiment

History

Timeline

Origin

Science

Key findings

Studies

Safety status

Nuance

Alternatives

Swaps

Avoidance tips

References

Fact-checked by Lucent 3 months ago

Azoxystrobin

ingredientPesticides

Total Sources: 44

Verified Claims: 35

Scientific Sources: 21

Also known as: Quadris

Summary

Azoxystrobin is a broad-spectrum systemic fungicide used in agriculture to protect crops from fungal diseases [8], [13]. It belongs to the strobilurin class of fungicides and acts by inhibiting mitochondrial respiration in fungi [8], [13].

What it is

Azoxystrobin is a fungicide derived from strobilurin [8]. It is used to control fungal growth in crops and seeds [6].

Common uses

Protecting crops from fungal diseases [8]
Treatment of cereals, sugar beet fields [24]
Protecting plants and crops [8]

Public Perception

Anxiety level

Moderate. There are concerns about potential health risks, environmental impact, and regulatory issues, but also recognition of its importance in crop protection.

Cultural claims

Some reports suggest potential health risks, particularly for children [22], [23].
There are concerns about the export of banned pesticides, including azoxystrobin, from the EU to other countries like Brazil [25].

Source sentiment

News sources express concern over potential health and environmental risks associated with azoxystrobin, particularly regarding its impact on children and ecosystems [22], [23]. Some reports highlight the export of azoxystrobin, despite its ban in some regions, raising ethical and safety questions [25].

History

Timeline

2000

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) established pesticide tolerance for azoxystrobin [18].

2006

The EPA modified pesticide tolerance for azoxystrobin [19].

2013

EFSA reviewed the existing Maximum Residue Levels (MRLs) for azoxystrobin [3].

2023

The EPA established pesticide tolerances for azoxystrobin [20].

Origin

Protecting crops from pathogenic fungi [8].

First appeared: 1996

Science

Key findings

Azoxystrobin can disrupt oxidative and metabolic processes in animals [12].
It may impair meiotic maturation in mammalian oocytes [8].
Some studies suggest potential developmental toxicity in animals [8].
It can have negative ecological consequences for land snails [13].

Studies

Azoxystrobin exposure impairs meiotic maturation by...

AZO exposure impairs oocyte maturation not only by increasing oxidative stress and mitochondrial dysfunction, but also by decreasing MTOC integrity and subsequent spindle formation and chromosome alignment [8].

Mechanisms and histopathological impacts of acetamiprid and...

Acetamiprid and azoxystrobin exhibit dose- and time-dependent effects on oxidative parameters that cause testis damage [12].

Unveiling the ecotoxicological effects of azoxystrobin-based...

Azoxystrobin may have negative ecological consequences for T. pisana and highlights its potential risks to the natural environment [13].

First Human Biomonitoring Evidence of Strobilurin Fungicide ...

First human biomonitoring evidence of strobilurin fungicide exposure in South China [7].

Safety status

The safety status of azoxystrobin is mixed. While regulatory bodies like the EPA and EFSA have established tolerance levels and MRLs, concerns remain regarding potential human health impacts, particularly concerning endocrine disruption, oxidative stress, and developmental toxicity [1], [3], [8], [12], [24].

Nuance

While azoxystrobin is effective in protecting crops, its potential impact on non-target organisms and human health requires careful management and monitoring [6], [8], [13].

Alternatives

Organic Produce
Choosing certified organic produce reduces exposure to synthetic pesticides, as organic farming relies on natural methods and prohibits harmful chemicals [32], [38].
Where to find: Available at most grocery stores and farmers' markets [37].

Snap Peas
Use snap peas instead of green beans to avoid high-risk pesticides [23].

Sweet Potatoes
Use sweet potatoes instead of regular potatoes to avoid high-risk pesticides [23].

Avoidance tips

Wash produce thoroughly under running water to remove surface residues [33], [39].
Peel fruits and vegetables when appropriate to remove residues that may have penetrated the skin [33].
Buy local produce from farmers who use integrated pest management (IPM) strategies [33].
Consider growing your own fruits and vegetables using organic gardening practices [43].