Emerging studies draw a strong relationship between the use of agricultural pesticides and the rise in cancer rates in the surrounding communities. Using a comprehensive approach to measure health incidents, researchers discovered that cancer incidents rose to a level nearly on par with smoking when local residents were exposed to multiple types of pesticides and herbicides.

Unfortunately, farmers rely on a variety of seasonal and crop-focused pesticides to ensure insects and wildlife do not negatively impact growth and harvests. By taking a deep dive into pesticide use and cancer risks, industry leaders can make informed decisions about the best ways to reduce health conditions, hazards, and fatalities by improving best practices and access to personal protective clothing and gear.

The Pesticide Conundrum

The chemicals agricultural businesses spray to protect the food supply and overgrowth of weeds include herbicides, fungicides, and a wide range of insecticides. All told, 96 percent of all American crop growers deploy pesticides across approximately 93 million acres. Approximately 280 million pounds of glyphosate, aka Roundup, the most popular herbicide on the market, is sprayed on nearly 300 million acres annually.  

Although markets typically offer organic fruits and vegetables that have not been doused with chemicals, consumers usually pay a premium. One of the primary reasons these fruits and vegetables cost more arises from the fact that certified organic farms suffer yields 15-50 percent lower than those using pesticides and herbicides.

If the use of pesticides and herbicides were banned in the U.S., the data indicates a potential collapse in food security. Studies estimate a reduction in available fruits, vegetables, and breakfast cereal that could reach 78 percent fewer resources coming to market.

Imagine removing 78 percent of these food options from towns and cities. Those are reasons why herbicides and pesticides remain in circulation, even though officials understand they are inherently dangerous to human health.

Pesticide Use and Cancer Risks

Explorations into pesticide application and cancer tend to seek one-to-one data, similar to cigarette smoking research. That being said, an Agricultural Health Study assessed the outcomes of 89,000 farmers and their spouses who were in close proximity to pesticides.

The results demonstrated that people operating farms experienced higher cancer rates. Brain cancer, for example, hovered about 20 percent above the national average. A study performed in Nebraska pointed to the number of glioma brain tumors being four times higher for farm workers.

While scientists continue to prove their point, the methods may be too narrow. The impact on farming communities at large has been overlooked. Heavy crop-producing areas, such as the Midwest, are experiencing higher rates of cancer than others.

Although individual instances and links to specific pesticides would be too unwieldy to study, a pattern persists that points to farmers experiencing an inordinate health burden to put food on the table for everyday people.  

Types of Cancer Associated with Pesticides and Herbicides

Published in Frontiers in Cancer Control and Society, a research project assessed 69 common farm chemicals used in 3,143 counties. Scientists who conducted the study noted that the populations in counties using these known carcinogens experienced high levels of cancer. They found that spikes in cancer associated with pesticides rivaled that of tobacco users.

These rank among the types linked with herbicides and pesticides.

Non-Hodgkin Lymphoma

Non-Hodgkin lymphoma (NHL) takes root in the lymphatic system and is associated with white blood cells that help the body combat infections and ailments. It spreads through the body’s lymph nodes and may enter the bloodstream. The five-year survival rate for those who undergo treatment is approximately 74 percent.

Leukemia

A cancer that impacts the bones and blood, Leukemia conditions cause the body to produce abnormal white blood cells. There are fast- and slow-growing conditions, both of which require specialized treatment. Depending on the type of leukemia, five-year survival rates range from 30 to 90 percent.

Colon Cancer

Some studies show a correlation between glyphosate (Roundup) and colon cancer frequency. This type typically impacts the large intestine. Survival rates vary, with early detection producing favorable outcomes of more than 90 percent. Patients with Stage IV colon cancer see their chances diminish to 20 percent or lower.

Bladder Cancer

Bladder cancer usually starts in the cells that make up the organ’s inner walls. If the condition goes untreated, it can spread to other systems and areas of the body. The five-year survival rate averages upwards of 78 percent.

Pancreatic Cancer

Located behind the stomach, the pancreas is responsible for making digestive enzymes and hormones. Considered one of the worst types of cancer, the five-year survival rate stands at 13 percent. However, early detection can significantly improve outcomes.

Lung Cancer

Long-term exposure to pesticides has also been linked to lung cancer. Research studies reveal that approximately 250,000 people lose their lives due to pesticides each year.

To prevent these unnecessary cancer rates and fatalities, it’s essential for farmers and workers to practice pesticide application safety.

Agricultural Pesticide Application Safety

It’s essential to keep in mind that farms do not generally apply a single spray or chemical to keep pests in check. Agricultural businesses may use planes to perform crop dusting. This involves small planes dipping low over the vegetation and spraying a cloud of chemical agents. The particles trickle down but may be later washed away by heavy rains. This results in farmers routinely repeating the processes through the growing seasons.

Other farms may task machinery operators with applying chemical agents directly on plants. While a more targeted approach, this method puts those handling pesticides and herbicides at heightened risk. These are pesticide application and cancer safety practices to consider.

  • Keep people away from fields during crop dusting.
  • Do not crop dust on windy days or when gusts may kick up.
  • Stay indoors until crop dusting chemicals have settled.
  • Machine operators should remain upwind of pesticides while spraying.
  • Keep the tractor well-ventilated and closed at all times.
  • Choose low-toxicity chemicals whenever possible.

It’s also critical to use appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE) and disposable clothing to prevent contact.

PPE for Pesticide Application and Cancer Prevention

The PPE and disposable clothing used to spray fields are the frontline defense against contact with these hazardous materials. Regardless of whether a pilot engages in crop dusting, a tractor operator douses the fields, or a worker is downwind of the application, these are safety items that can greatly reduce the risk of cancer and other ailments.

  • Respirators: The use of NIOSH-approved respirators is crucial to preventing the inhalation of pesticides and herbicides.
  • Coveralls:Tractor operators spraying fields are well served by wearing coveralls that provide head-to-ankle protection. A hood or suitable headgear may also be prudent. The material must be tested to ensure chemical seepage doesn’t occur.
  • Eye Wear: Face shields or goggles are necessary to keep dangerous chemicals from impacting vision.
  • Gloves:Chemical-resistant gloves should be worn during all phases.

 

It’s also important for agricultural and pesticide spraying businesses to invest in disposable clothing that can be easily accessorized. Items such as shoe/boot covers, sleeves, hoods, and gloves work best when they eliminate gaps where chemical agents could make skin contact.

The broader research being conducted indicates that contact with pesticides and herbicides increases the risk of cancer exponentially. If the incident rates are anywhere close to the health hazards tobacco created, it’s mission-critical to improve safety measures and provide full access to PPE and disposable clothing.