As a practitioner, you probably know that pesticides are linked to health problems, largely because they disrupt the cells’ mitochondria. Many studies show that pesticides can damage mitochondria and may trigger cell death. Over the long term, this may lead to disease and speed up aging. The good news is, that you can avoid much of this pesticide damage. But it takes the right nutrition, supplements, and lifestyle strategies.

Why Protecting Mitochondria Is Important

Mitochondria do far more than power cells. They influence the expression of genes, turning them on or off. Mitochondria are also involved in detoxification, brain function, and immune system regulation. (1)

When mitochondria start to fail, so do all those processes. That could have far-reaching consequences.

Mitochondrial dysfunction is linked to: (2, 3, 4)

  • Alzheimer’s disease
  • Parkinson’s disease
  • Cancer
  • Cardiovascular disease
  • Diabetes
  • Gut disorders, including constipation and diarrhea
  • Faster aging
  • Skin disorders

If you want to reduce disease risk and support healing, don’t overlook the importance of protecting your mitochondria from pesticides. Here are 10 pesticides that could be meddling with your mitochondria. You’ll learn where you might be exposed to these pesticides, how the toxins may harm their health, and ways to help protect their mitochondria from these chemicals.

1. Glyphosate

This herbicide was introduced in 1974 and is now the most commonly used weed killer in the world. Roundup is a well-known glyphosate product, but there are more than 750 products that contain the chemical. (5, 6, 7)

Glyphosate is a non-specific herbicide, meaning it can potentially kill most plants. Scientists have developed genetically modified (GMO) crops — like soybeans and corn — to withstand glyphosate. (8)

Worldwide, nearly 19 billion pounds of glyphosate have been used since it was introduced. However, many countries are now restricting the chemical’s use. Some are moving toward banning it altogether. (8, 9)

Cancer concerns prompted some countries to change their policies on glyphosate, but it’s still commonly used in the United States. (8, 10) 

How You Could Be Exposed to Glyphosate

Quite possibly, glyphosate is contaminating the food in kitchens, water for drinking and showering, and the air nearby from spraying these chemicals in yards.

Glyphosate is used to deter weed growth as well as to dry crops to speed up harvesting. Tests of soil and water reveal that glyphosate lingers longer than once thought. And, food often contains residues of the weed killer. (11,12) 

The herbicide is commonly used on: (8,12)

  • Alfalfa
  • Barley
  • Corn
  • Canola 
  • Cotton
  • Soybeans
  • Sugar beets
  • Wheat

Glyphosate use goes beyond farming. People in neighborhoods may be using it in their yards. Businesses may be using it to kill weeds on their property. It’s even used in forest areas and on Christmas trees. (11) 

How Glyphosate May Affect Mitochondria

Mitochondria are in charge of generating energy for cells, so most of this energy is produced in the electron transport chain. This involves passing electrons through a series of carrier proteins — similar to runners passing a baton in a relay race. 

Animal studies suggest that glyphosate may “trip” the runners. The baton may not get passed to the next runner, and as a result, mitochondria produce less energy. (7, 13)

Other lab research suggests glyphosate may trigger the collapse of mitochondrial membranes. This process may happen at relatively low levels of exposure to the pesticide. (14)

Lab and animal studies also show glyphosate generates a lot of reactive oxygen species (ROS) in cells. An excess of these damaging free radicals could trigger mitochondria and cells to “self destruct.” (7, 13, 14)

2. Paraquat

Paraquat dichloride — commonly used in an herbicide called Gramoxone — was first used in 1961. The chemical is highly toxic, so a license is required to use it in the United States. In other countries, regulations vary. (15, 16)

Commercial farmers can use paraquat to control weeds. It kills them by interfering with their energy production via photosynthesis. (16)

Paraquat is banned in the European Union and South Korea because of its toxicity to people since it can cause fatal poisoning when ingested. Still, it’s commonly used in the United States. Sometimes it’s used to kill weeds that have become glyphosate-resistant. (16, 17, 18, 19) 

How You Could Be Exposed to Paraquat

Worldwide, paraquat is used to produce more than a hundred different crops. For example, it’s used to grow bananas, coffee, palm oil, cotton, corn, and soybeans. These agricultural products may carry residues of the chemical. (16, 17, 20, 21)

Paraquat is most dangerous to people who come into direct contact with it because it easily absorbs into the skin. In fact, the pesticide makes skin more permeable — so it becomes a super sponge for the toxic chemical. (20)

Still, you are not free of the risk just because they don’t use the chemical directly. Paraquat can stay in the soil for decades and in the water for centuries. You may encounter it in drinking water, as well as lakes and streams. (20, 21)

The highest risk of exposure is in farming areas that use the pesticide. This is of great concern during pregnancy, as paraquat can cross the placenta and harm unborn children. (20) 

How Paraquat May Affect Mitochondria

Similar to glyphosate, paraquat may interfere with the “runners” passing electrons within mitochondria. It also creates a significant amount of oxidative stress and mitochondrial dysfunction, which can trigger cell death. (22, 23)

More specifically, the oxidative stress from paraquat can damage the membranes of mitochondria. It can also damage the DNA or genetic blueprints in mitochondria, which are vital for their normal function. (23, 24, 25) 

On top of that, animal research found that paraquat reduced the mitochondria’s ability to use oxygen by 70%. A good supply of oxygen is needed for efficient energy production. (26)

3. Chlorpyrifos

Chlorpyrifos has been used in the United States since 1965. It is used to kill pests such as Termites, Cockroaches, Fleas, and Ticks, as well as insects that harm crops. Common products that contain the chemical are Dursban and Lorsban. (27, 28)

This insecticide works by overstimulating the insect’s nervous system, which kills the bug. However, this chemical can also interfere with the function of the human brain and nervous system. (29, 30)

In 2000, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) banned chlorpyrifos from household use (with a few exceptions, discussed below). In 2016, the EPA tried to ban the pesticide from use on crops, due to its high toxicity to the human nervous system. But the ruling was overturned. (31, 32, 33)

How You Could Be Exposed to Chlorpyrifos

You may encounter chlorpyrifos in foods, a few consumer products, and the environment. 

The pesticide is commonly used in farming. It’s used in cattle ear tags to deter flies and other pests. Beef and dairy products people eat may also be contaminated with chlorpyrifos. (27, 34, 35)

Chlorpyrifos is also used to grow several crops, including: (27, 30)

  • Corn 
  • Cruciferous vegetables, like broccoli and kale
  • Soybeans
  • Some fruit trees
  • Tree nuts, such as almonds

When the insecticide is used to grow crops, residues can remain on the food people eat. When scientists tested grapes, oranges, peaches, and tomatoes grown in Italy, the residues of chlorpyrifos exceeded limits set by the European Union. (36)

If you have a pet, they could also encounter chlorpyrifos, as it may be used in pet collars to control fleas and ticks. Plus, the chemical is still sold in childproof bait traps for ants and roaches. (27, 28) 

In addition, chlorpyrifos may be used on golf courses and in greenhouses. It may also be used to treat wood for fences and poles. (30)

How Chlorpyrifos May Affect Mitochondria

Lab studies of human cells suggest that chlorpyrifos may break apart the mitochondria. (37)

In addition, animal research suggests that chlorpyrifos may reduce the number of mitochondria within nerve cells. The chemical may also slow the ability of mitochondria to move around in nerve cells and may contribute to nervous system damage. (38)

4. Atrazine

This pesticide was approved for use in the United States in 1958. It is a selective herbicide, meaning it kills specific weeds. It’s an ingredient in products such as Aatrex and Gesaprim. (39) 

Atrazine can be applied before the weeds emerge from the soil, attacking the roots. This makes it very effective and low cost, and a popular herbicide among farmers. (39) 

On the other hand, atrazine is very unpopular among environmentalists. The chemical can disrupt hormones in fish and frogs when it contaminates water. Due to this and concerns about human risk, the U.S. government now restricts the use of atrazine to trained technicians. (39, 40, 41)

In 2004, the European Union banned atrazine because of how readily it contaminates the water supply. Unfortunately, it’s still one of the most commonly used herbicides in the world. (39) 

How You Could Be Exposed to Atrazine

You may encounter atrazine in water and certain foods, as well as in the environment.

Atrazine is the most common herbicide found in water, and it may persist in water long term. On top of that, the chemical can contaminate areas where it has never been used. It evaporates and comes down to the earth again through rainfall — sometimes hundreds of miles from where it was originally applied. (40, 42)

Over half a million pounds of atrazine are spread through rainfall every year in the United States alone. It can end up in tap water and bottled drinking water. Water treatment plants test for atrazine to keep it below a certain limit. Still, don’t expect zero levels. (40, 43, 44)

Atrazine may also contaminate some foods grown in the United States, including: (45)

  • Corn
  • Macadamia nuts 
  • Pineapple 
  • Sugarcane
  • Sorghum 

In addition, atrazine may be used on evergreen tree farms, household lawns, and golf courses. It may also be used to kill weeds along roadsides. (45, 46) 

How Atrazine May Affect Mitochondria

Lab tests suggest atrazine may hinder the ability to make new mitochondria. It also disrupts energy production. Similar to glyphosate, atrazine may interfere with the “runners” passing electrons to make ATP. (47) 

Animal studies show that atrazine exposure can cause mitochondria to swell. This damages the folds (cristae) in the mitochondrial inner membrane — which is where most ATP is made. (48) 

Atrazine can also create significant free radical damage and mitochondrial dysfunction in nerve cells, according to animal research. That could trigger nerve cells to self-destruct, potentially leading to nerve and brain damage. (49)

5. Rotenone

Unlike many pesticides, rotenone is naturally occurring. It’s taken from the roots of certain plants in the legume family. (50)

Once rotenone is extracted, it’s combined with other ingredients to make pesticides such as Chemfish. As suggested by this name, it’s used to kill invasive fish. (51, 52)

Rotenone works by preventing the mitochondria of fish from taking in oxygen. They can’t generate energy, and their cells suffocate, resulting in death. (53)

Formerly, rotenone was commonly used to protect crops from insects. However, research has linked rotenone to Parkinson’s disease in people. Due to this and other concerns, it’s no longer allowed on food crops in the United States. The European Union has also banned its use on crops. (51, 54, 55)

How You Could Be Exposed to Rotenone

You are unlikely to encounter the chemical by eating fish, especially from the store. If you fish, there may be a rare case where they may be exposed. For example, fish may survive the use of the chemical, but they break it down and excrete it within a matter of days. (56)

And though rotenone isn’t permitted on U.S. crops, you might encounter it on some imported organic bananas. That may sound odd, but rotenone was once allowed on organic crops in the United States because it’s a naturally derived chemical. (57, 58, 59) 

It’s also noteworthy that the jicama plant — which is in the legume family — naturally contains rotenone in its stem, roots, and seed pods. So, only eat the turnip-shaped vegetable produced by the plant, which is what’s sold in stores. Remove its inedible skin, which may contain rotenone. (51, 60, 61, 62)

Lastly, you may encounter small amounts of rotenone in drinking water. This is monitored to verify any contamination is below a certain level. (56)

How Rotenone May Affect Mitochondria

Rotenone may work in the mitochondria similarly to how it causes harm in fish. It may block mitochondria from using oxygen, preventing them from generating ATP. (63) 

This interference with energy production may generate a significant amount of free radicals in the mitochondria. This could damage mitochondrial DNA and trigger cell death. (63)

Rotenone also inhibits mitochondrial proteins that drive the production of ATP. A different toxin known to cause Parkinson’s disease inflicts its harm the same way. (64)

6. Trichlorfon

This pesticide is used to kill insects, such as grubs and cattle lice. It’s used in branded insecticides, such as Dylox and Neguvon. (65)

Like chlorpyrifos, trichlorfon blocks an enzyme that keeps nerves “quiet.” Instead of sending nerve messages only when they should, trichlorfon influences nerves to send messages continuously. That leads to insects’ death. (65)

Due to toxicity concerns, trichlorfon isn’t permitted on U.S. crops. It’s also barred from crop use in Argentina, Brazil, the European Union, and New Zealand. India banned this chemical in 2020. 

Still, there are other ways you could be exposed to it. (65, 66, 67, 68)

How You Could Be Exposed to Trichlorfon

Though not used on food plants grown in the United States, trichlorfon may be used in a lice treatment for cattle. (65)

The chemical may also be utilized in food or meat processing plants. But, it can only be used on surfaces that the food doesn’t touch. How it’s applied to surfaces or whether it may contaminate the surrounding air isn’t clear. (65)

Trichlorfon may be used on golf courses, home lawns, fish ponds, and flowers to kill caterpillars, white grubs, and other insects. For example, people can buy Dylox — an insecticide that contains trichlorfon — online for some of these purposes. (65)

We recommend that you avoid using toxic chemicals like trichlorfon for pest control. It can contaminate groundwater, as well as the body.

Interestingly, the chemical was once used to treat people infected with Schistosoma parasitic worms, as well as for people with Alzheimer’s disease. But due to its toxic effects, trichlorfon is no longer used for these purposes. (69, 70)

How Trichlorfon May Affect Mitochondria

Studies on fish suggest trichlorfon may significantly harm mitochondria. When exposed to the chemical, their mitochondria became swollen. Also, the mitochondrial membranes were damaged, causing the loss of folds called cristae. (71)  

In addition, lab analyses suggest trichlorfon may increase free radical damage in the mitochondria of liver cells. This mitochondrial damage can trigger cell death. (71)

7. Dicamba 

This herbicide is used to kill weeds. As with glyphosate, scientists have developed GMO plants that can withstand its effects. In the United States, more than a thousand different products contain dicamba. A couple of examples are Engenia and XtendiMax. (72, 73)

Dicamba works by mimicking plant hormones, making plants grow erratically. This may eventually kill unwanted plants or weeds. (73)

A big source of controversy is that dicamba can drift via the wind to nearby fields of non-dicamba-tolerant crops. Sometimes dicamba is combined with glyphosate. Research suggests this makes dicamba more likely to change to a gas and spread through the air. (74, 75)

This chemical will be one to watch to see how regulations continue to change in the future. Currently, the EPA only permits certified pesticide technicians to spray the chemical on crops. 

The new registrations include label changes, as well as restricting its use to crops resistant to the pesticide and can only be used under certain circumstances. (74)

How You Could Be Exposed to Dicamba

Residues of dicamba can remain on food crops. The EPA says the residue levels on foods are “safe,” but it’s best for you to avoid chemical pesticides to the extent that they can. (74)

While dicamba is most commonly used on corn and soybeans, it may be used on any of the following crops: (76)

  • Asparagus
  • Corn
  • Cotton
  • Other grains
  • Soybeans
  • Sugarcane

The chemical may be used on lawns, golf courses, and roadsides too. (73, 74, 76)

Given that dicamba can drift, it’s especially concerning for anyone living in agricultural areas. People could be exposed to it outdoors, as well as in house dust. Farmers working around the chemical can track it indoors from the field. (76)

Dicamba has also been found in the drinking water of both cities and farming areas. The EPA has set limits for this contaminant. (76, 77)

How Dicamba May Affect Mitochondria

A lab study found that dicamba integrated itself into the inner membranes of mitochondria when present in high amounts. As a result, the membranes were leaky and didn’t produce energy very well. (78)

Also, plant and lab research shows that dicamba can interfere with the passing of electrons to generate ATP. (78, 79)

8. Fenpyroximate 

This pesticide is used in products such as Assault and Danitron. It’s used to control tiny pests called mites. These attack the leaves and edible portions of some crops. (80, 81)

Fenpyroximate works by blocking enzymes in the mitochondria of pests. It’s said to work against mites at all three stages of life: larva, nymph, and adult. (81, 82) 

The use of reapproximate on crops is widespread, including in the United States and more than 50 other countries. (82)

How You Could Be Exposed to Fenpyroximate

Fenpyroximate is approved for use on many types of crops, including in greenhouses. This pesticide is sprayed on several fruit and vegetable plants.

The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) periodically tests for pesticide residues on plant products. In a random sampling of conventionally-grown fruits, fenpyroximate residues were found on several. These included: (83)

  • 19% of Pears
  • 6% of Strawberries
  • 4% of Tomatoes
  • 3% of Grapes 

Tests by the European Food Safety Authority have also shown significant fenpyroximate residues on apples, grapes, green beans, and pears. (84)

How Fenpyroximate May Affect Mitochondria

Lab studies suggest fenpyroximate may damage mitochondrial membranes and deplete energy in cells. Like several other pesticides, it trips up the “runners” in mitochondria. So, they don’t efficiently pass electrons to produce energy in the form of ATP. (85)

The mitochondrial dysfunction from fenpyroximate may happen at low levels of exposure to the chemical. But, the higher the exposure to fenpyroximate, the more ATP production declines. (86) 

Fenpyroimate may also interfere with mitophagy or enzymes involved in eliminating damaged mitochondria. Disrupting this may increase your risk of Parkinson’s disease. (85)

9. Ziram 

This chemical is used to control fungi on plants, such as blight and brown rot. Ziram may also be used to repel birds and small animals like rabbits. The chemical is in pesticides sold under various brand names, such as Carbazinc and Methazate. (87, 88)

Ziram could also harm humans. It may be toxic to the liver, thyroid, and nervous system. Exposure to ziram may double the risk of developing Parkinson’s disease. (88, 89) 

Still, ziram is commonly used by U.S. farmers. It’s also used in Europe. However, due to the health risks of the pesticide, it’s being phased out of food production in Canada, with the completed phase-out process ending in December 2021. (90, 91, 92, 93)

How You Could Be Exposed to Ziram

Ziram may be used on many crops and plants. Examples include: (88, 94)          

  • Evergreens: Pine and fir trees, including those used as Christmas trees
  • Flowers: Carnations, chrysanthemums, marigolds, roses, and similar plants  
  • Foods: Almonds, apples, apricots, blueberries, cherries, grapes, hazelnuts, peaches, pears, pecans, strawberries, and tomatoes

In addition, you may encounter ziram in food packaging. It’s sometimes used in glues used to assemble food packages. (95)

Ziram is also used in other consumer products, including Latex Paint, Rubber, Neoprene (Synthetic Rubber), Plastics, and Caulk. (88, 95)

How Ziram May Affect Mitochondria

Ziram may inhibit several steps of Kreb’s cycle, the first part of making energy within the cells’ mitochondria. The cycle supplies precursors needed for the electron transport chain — the process in which most energy is made. (95)

Also, lab studies show ziram can inhibit the complex chemical reactions of the electron transport chain. So, the mitochondria produce significantly less energy. (95)

10. Dieldrin 

In the United States, dieldrin was used to combat insects on crops like corn and cotton from 1950–1970. Then it was banned from farm use due to its high toxicity to people, animals, and the environment. (96)

In addition, many other developed countries have also banned or restrict the use of dieldrin. (97)

The pesticide is still a concern today because it doesn’t break down easily. So, it’s still prevalent in the environment, including soil, water, and air. (97)

The U.S. Agency of Toxic Substances and Disease currently ranks dieldrin 18th on a list of 275 toxic chemicals that contaminate certain regions of the country. (96, 98) 

How You Could Be Exposed to Dieldrin

Up until 1987, dieldrin was permitted to kill termites in the United States. If you live in a home that was treated for termites before this ban, they could be exposed to dieldrin. (96)

Dieldrin also builds up in the environment, as well as in animals. That includes those people who may eat for food. Higher levels of this chemical may be present in the food chain. (96)

Dieldrin residues could lurk in dairy products, meat, and fish. One study found concerning levels in salmon, both farmed and wild-caught. The chemical could also taint root crops like carrots and potatoes if they’re grown in contaminated areas. (96, 99, 100) 

How Dieldrin May Affect Mitochondria

The mitochondria of cells are one of the top targets of dieldrin. The chemical causes significant mitochondrial dysfunction. (101)  

An animal study found that dieldrin interfered with 18 different proteins in the electron transport chain. It increased some, decreased others, and threw off the entire energy production cycle. (101)

Protecting Mitochondria from Pesticides

In short, pesticides can make a mess of mitochondrial function. They can impair mitochondrial membranes, damage mitochondrial DNA, and trip up energy production.  But losing energy is only one of the problems caused by dysfunctional mitochondria. This damage also increases the risk of several diseases. 

It’s also worth noting that it’s not just the pesticides that damage mitochondria. Research shows that many inactive ingredients in pesticide products are more harmful to people than the pesticides themselves. (102)

How to Protect Mitochondria

Pesticides are a big problem for mitochondrial health. You can take several actions to help protect these tiny energy factories. 

Reduce exposure

Because they’re so prevalent, people can’t completely avoid pesticides. However, exposure to pesticides can be reduced. Some things you can do:

  • Avoid GMO foods. Corn, soybeans, canola oil, and sugar beets are usually genetically modified. Remember, one of the reasons crops are modified is so they can tolerate toxic pesticides like glyphosate. If you eat foods that are commonly GMO, buy organic versions. They’ll avoid genetic modification and pesticides since both are against organic rules. For a complete list of GMO foods, go here.
  • Choose organic food. Conventionally-grown food is often contaminated with pesticides, even if it’s not genetically modified. If you can’t afford all organic produce for their diet, at least encourage them to try to buy organic for the most contaminated fruits and vegetables. The Environmental Working Group tracks the “Dirty Dozen” highest-pesticide produce.
  • Skip lawn and garden pesticides. They add to the contamination of the water supply. Plus, they can easily get into the house. Studies show that house dust commonly contains pesticides, including ones banned long ago. (103)
  • Avoid toxic bug sprays. Don’t use chemical bug sprays in the house or on the body. Some essential oils, such as eucalyptus and cinnamon, have natural insect-repellent properties. Diffuse them or apply diluted oils to the body. (104, 105)

By avoiding products that contain pesticides, you are sending a message to suppliers to quit making them, leading by example. This may subtly encourage others to avoid the toxins, too.