This Banned Pesticide Is Still Destroying Fertility
NonToxCo Research
Science & Safety Team · 4/7/2026
Endosulfan mimics estrogen, destroys sperm, kills eggs, and crosses the placenta. It's banned in many countries but still used in parts of the developing world.
What Endosulfan Does to Women
A 2026 review in Toxicol Ind Health details the damage. In women, endosulfan disrupts ovarian and uterine development. It mimics estrogen and interferes with both estrogen and androgen pathways. The result: reduced follicle counts, impaired embryo implantation, infertility, and miscarriage.
It also triggers oxidative stress in the ovaries and causes epigenetic changes that can affect future generations.
What It Does to Men
In men, endosulfan attacks spermatogenesis through oxidative stress, mitochondrial dysfunction, and lipid peroxidation. Sperm quality, motility, and count all drop. DNA fragmentation increases. Testicular tissue gets damaged at the cellular level.
It Crosses the Placenta
Endosulfan doesn't stay in the mother's body. It crosses the placental barrier and reaches the developing fetus, causing malformations, fetal resorption, and maternal toxicity.
Where Exposure Comes From
Endosulfan was banned under the Stockholm Convention, but it persists in contaminated soil, water, and imported food from countries where enforcement is weak. It's also persistent in the environment because it breaks down slowly.
How to Reduce Exposure
Buy organic produce, especially from overseas sources. Wash and peel fruits and vegetables. Filter your water. And switch to non-toxic home essentials to lower your overall pesticide exposure.
Also see non-toxic kitchen essentials for safer alternatives.