May 8th, 2009 Pesticides May Cause Brain Cancer in Young Children
It has been widely known that pesticides can cause cancer in animals, why would these pesticides not cause ]cancer in humans as well? New studies suggest that these pesticides do inflict damages upon human DNA, resulting in a development of cancer.
It is not completely understood what causes brain cancer in children. However, studies have found that children who live in homes where their parents use pesticides are twice as likely to develop brain cancer versus those that live in residences in which no pesticides are used. Herbicide use in particular has been shown to elevate cancer risks in individuals.
Brain cancer is the second most common form of cancer amongst children. Though genetics play some role, scientists believe that environmental factors and exposure contributes significantly to the likelihood of developing cancer.
This study highlights a new and compelling reason to avoid or limit pesticide use and take necessary precautions during exposure. Parents that washed after exposure to pesticides lowered the risk of brain cancer for their children.
May 9th, 2009 at 4:35 am
This study, in doi: 10.1289/ehp.0800209 (http://www.ehponline.org/docs/2009/0800209/abstract.pdf) is based upon 421 cases, using anecdotal evidence, which appears to suggest almost a doubling of risk in childhood astrocytoma tumours (1.9). An earlier study, in Am J Epidemiol 2003; 157:989-997 (http://aje.oxfordjournals.org/cgi/content/abstract/amjepid;157/11/989)found no significant link between pesticides and tumours. This suggests that more work is needed, using more substantive methods before a causal link can be stated.
It would be more useful to point to other, more proven, risks of pesticides on humans and ecosystems in general, to reduce the risk of bloggers being accused of scaremongering. There are plenty of other reasons not to use pesticides (see, for instance: http://www.farnish.plus.com/amatterofscale/chapter3.htm), but they are seemingly not exciting enough to write about any more.
May 10th, 2009 at 11:44 am
Keith,
I did not delete your comment. Today was the first time I have read your comment and I must approve it before it can be viewed. I am not on my computer 24/7. Next time please do not assume I am unwilling to consider anyone’s opinion other than my own. Doing so is rather impolite.
Thank you for your input.
Hannah