A Common Fungicide Residue Is Linked to Early Puberty in Girls

Girls with detected levels of a common fungicide metabolite (ETU, from dithiocarbamate fungicides) reached puberty earlier than girls with undetected levels. By 32-39% increased hazard ratio. ETU is in the urine of kids who eat conventional produce, especially strawberries, grapes, and leafy greens.

What the study found

A 2026 study in Environmental Research tracked 506 Spanish girls from the INMA Project from age 7 through age 16. Urine samples at ages 7 to 10 were tested for four insecticide metabolites and one fungicide metabolite (ETU). Age at first menstruation was tracked through repeated questionnaires.

Girls with ETU concentrations above the 75th percentile were 39% more likely to start menstruation earlier than girls with undetected ETU (hazard ratio 1.39). The chlorpyrifos metabolite TCPy was associated with later puberty in overweight girls. Different pesticides, different effects, all from food residues during childhood.

Where ETU comes from

ETU forms when the body processes dithiocarbamate fungicides used on fruits and vegetables. These fungicides (mancozeb, maneb, ziram) are common on conventional strawberries, grapes, apples, spinach, and tomatoes. The exposure happens at the dinner table.

Washing produce reduces but doesn't eliminate surface residues. Peeling helps for some fruits. Prioritizing organic for the produce your kids eat most often cuts this exposure significantly. For what your kids eat daily, it's worth knowing the non-toxic kitchen alternatives that reduce overall chemical load at the table.

Also see glass food containers for safer alternatives.

Source: Freire C et al. (2026). Environmental Research.