A study published in Cellular Physiology and Biochemistry found that atrazine (ATR) exposure worsens lung disease outcomes in individuals with idiopathic (spontaneous) pulmonary fibrosis (IPF). Atrazine is widely used in agriculture as a herbicide to control broadleaf and grassy weeds. 

The researchers said that they exposed select cohorts of mice to atrazine and found that the chemical exposure increased damage, fibrosis (tissue scarring) and oxidative stress within the lungs.  The researchers also pointed out that their finding adds to existing research on the connection between pesticides and associated respiratory pathologies while emphasising the disruption in the endocrine system brought about by pesticide use.