The dose makes the poison

The original wording of the quote by Paracelsus of Hohenheim (1541) is (translated) "All things are poison, and nothing is without poison. Only the dose makes a thing not a poison."

This has now been confirmed once again in a study by the Federal Institute for Risk Assessment (BfR). Some pesticides are categorised as so-called endocrine disruptors. This unwieldy term describes an effect that is hazardous to health, namely a disruption of the hormone system of living organisms. Hormones are important signalling substances that perform a variety of control functions in the organism. If this well-balanced system is disrupted, serious damage, serious illnesses and psychological changes can result.

In a case study, the BfR wanted to find out whether there is a connection between the intake of hormonally active substances and their effect on the organism, i.e. at what threshold value damage can be expected. 

Some scientists are of the opinion that there is a zero tolerance for this group of substances and that any amount, no matter how small, cumulatively leads to negative health consequences over time.

As example substances, the BfR has selected four pesticide active substances for which an effect on hormone metabolism has been proven by studies. These are dimethomorph, which acts as an antagonist of the male sex hormones (androgens), propiconazole and epoxiconazole, which show multiple effects, and metiram, which inhibits the formation of the thyroid hormone thyroxine.

 
The studies came to the clear conclusion that all four substances only lead to negative effects above a certain dose. This confirms the Paracelsus principle. The BfR scientists therefore propose abandoning the concept of "no threshold value for endocrine disruptors".

Here you can find further information (in German only) from the Institute on endocrine disruptors.

YOUR PLUS: The residue laboratories of the AGROLAB GROUP analyse food not only for the four active substances mentioned, but also for over 650 pesticide residues and many other contaminants. The results are evaluated on the basis of the applicable European laws and regulations.

Author: Dr. Frank Mörsberger, AGROLAB GROUP