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Pesticides may contribute to the development of many types of cancer, according to a large investigation by researchers from the United States.
Frankfurt – That pesticides can harm health is nothing new. This applies not only to acute poisoning, which, according to the Heinrich Böll Foundation, affects about 385 million people worldwide each year, but also to the long-term effects of regular exposure to these substances. A correlation has been established, for example, with Parkinson’s disease, which has now even been recognized as an occupational disease when someone frequently worked with these pesticides. Childhood leukemias caused by pesticides are also documented, and they are additionally associated with allergies, asthma, type 2 diabetes, as well as negative effects on the immune system and hormone glands.
Pesticides have long been suspected of increasing cancer risk – not just for childhood leukemias. However, the extent of this risk and which tumor types are involved have been difficult to specify until now. Researchers from several American universities have investigated the link between pesticides and cancer in a population-wide study in the United States. In their work, they considered not only farmers who use pesticides for crop protection but also examined surrounding communities.
Pesticides are used against weeds and insects in agriculture. Erika Arndt/Imagebroker © IMAGO/imagebroker
Cancer Risk from Pesticides is High
The scientists concluded that the cancer risk associated with pesticides is comparable to that from smoking – not only for those actively using these substances but also for people living in areas where pesticides are used extensively. Smoking is considered one of the biggest risk factors for cancer overall. The results were published in the journal Frontiers in Cancer Control and Society.
“In our study, we found that the effects of pesticide use in agriculture for certain types of cancer are comparable in magnitude to the effects of smoking,” explains lead author Isain Zapata, a medical professor at Rocky Vista University in Colorado, in a companion article in the journal “Frontiers.” The strongest association is found with non-Hodgkin lymphoma, leukemia in children and adults, and bladder cancer. The study also shows an increased incidence for colorectal, lung, and pancreatic cancer “as well as for all cancers combined.”
Combination of Multiple Pesticides is the Main Culprit
In particular, for glyphosate, the probably most well-known pesticide, previous studies had already suspected a link with various types of tumors, primarily pancreatic cancer, but also bladder cancer, thyroid, liver, and kidney cancer, as well as myeloid leukemia.
Regarding the findings of the current study, however, the researchers do not believe that a single pesticide is the main culprit. Instead, they suggest it is more likely that the combination of several of these substances is responsible for the increased cancer risk. The reason for this assumption is: In the real world, people are usually exposed to not just one pesticide but a “chemical cocktail that is specific to land use and the crops grown in a region.”
69 Pesticides Were Studied
For their investigation, the researchers included 69 pesticides. The data for the study comes from the “United States Geological Survey.” As the authors state, their study is the first large-scale investigation that examines the overall picture and also studies pesticide use in relation to smoking as a well-researched and undisputed clear risk factor for cancer.
Pesticides
The term pesticides (from Latin pesitis: plague and caedere: to kill) refers to chemically synthesized plant protection products intended to eliminate unwanted organisms – “pests.” These include weeds, insects, fungi, pathogens, and vectors. Depending on whether pesticides primarily target weeds, insects, or fungi, they are also referred to as herbicides, insecticides, or fungicides.
Pesticides are primarily used in agriculture and forestry (in exceptional cases, also to accelerate the ripening of grains). They are also commonly used in public green spaces and sports fields. For garden use, plant protection products with insecticidal agents are sold.
Pesticides can not only harm health but can also have negative effects on ecosystems and biodiversity. pam
The research team was surprised to find that the danger posed by pesticides is on a similar scale, says Isain Zapata. The individual risks for the population vary. In regions where more crops are grown, such as the Midwest of the USA with its many cornfields, the associations between pesticides and cancer are clearer than in others.
Research Team Does Not Come Out Against Pesticides as a Whole
For study author Isain Zapata, the research project also had a personal consequence. The article in “Frontiers” quotes him as saying: “Every time I go to the supermarket to buy food, I think of a farmer who was involved in producing this product. These people often take risks for my convenience, and that plays a role in my appreciation of this product.”
The research team does not fundamentally oppose the use of pesticides in their study and expresses great understanding for farmers who use these plant protection products. They have been shown to “improve crop yields and food security.” Organic farms often achieve “only 15 to 50 percent” of the yields of conventional operations, it states. Nevertheless, the scientists urge as a consequence of their research results for “a comprehensive assessment of the risks of pesticide application.” In particular, health authorities must view the “safety of these chemicals with more skepticism.” (pam)
Emerging Trends in Pesticide Use and Cancer Risk Awareness
The recent findings from a comprehensive study conducted by researchers from various US universities have highlighted the alarming potential of pesticides to increase cancer risk, drawing parallels to the dangers associated with smoking. This pivotal research presents an opportunity to examine the future trends in public health, agricultural practices, and regulatory frameworks concerning pesticide usage.
Heightened Public Awareness and Advocacy
As awareness regarding the health risks associated with pesticides rises, particularly their links to various cancers such as Non-Hodgkin lymphoma and childhood leukemia, we can anticipate a swell in public advocacy for safer agricultural practices. Communities may increasingly demand transparency in pesticide application and seek organic or alternative farming methods that minimize chemical use.
Innovations in Sustainable Agriculture
The growing scrutiny on pesticide safety is likely to accelerate innovations in sustainable agriculture. Farmers may pivot towards integrated pest management (IPM) techniques that emphasize ecological balance, using fewer synthetic chemicals and relying more on natural predators and resistant crop varieties. This shift could not only protect farmworkers and local communities but also enhance biodiversity.
Regulatory Revisions and Increased Scrutiny
In light of the study’s revelations, regulatory bodies may undertake broader assessments of pesticide safety. Expect calls for more stringent evaluations and perhaps a reevaluation of commonly-used chemicals, particularly those known for their harmful effects. Such changes could lead to a reduction in the approval of certain pesticides and spur the adoption of safer alternatives.
Consumer Demand for Safe Products
As the conversation around health and safety intensifies, consumer demand for organic and pesticide-free products is likely to increase. Retailers may respond by expanding their offerings of organic foods and transparently sourcing produce to appeal to health-conscious shoppers. This trend could stretch across various sectors beyond groceries, influencing the entire food supply chain.
Research and Development in Biopesticides
The findings will likely encourage increased investment in research and development of biopesticides—natural alternatives to synthetic chemicals. These eco-friendly options could reshape the agricultural landscape, offering effective pest management solutions that pose little to no risk to human health.
Collaboration Among Stakeholders
A collaborative approach among farmers, scientists, health officials, and consumers will be essential in minimizing the health impacts of pesticide use. By working together, stakeholders can create robust strategies that balance agricultural productivity with environmental sustainability and public health safety.