Pesticides Linked to Multiple Myeloma
June 7, 2009 by Jennifer Chait
Filed under Green Living
Investigators from The National Cancer Institute (NCI) recently used data from the Agricultural Health Study to refine and expand a relationship established several years ago between pesticide exposure and the risk for multiple myeloma.
The findings, published in the journal, Blood, relates that men in the study who had used pesticides occupationally, showed a “Nearly two-fold increased risk of a well-established precursor for multiple myeloma–monoclonal gammopathy of undetermined significance” as men not exposed to pesticides. Farmers in particular were at an increased risk. These findings obviously create support for the argument that pesticides are indeed biologically linked to the development of multiple myeloma and cancer.
According to NCI, “Multiple myeloma is estimated to be diagnosed in about 20,000 Americans this year and about 10,000 Americans are expected to die of the disease in 2009.”
Pesticides are defined as “Chemicals used to eliminate or control unwanted or harmful insects, plants, fungi, animals, or microorganisms in order to protect food crops and other plants” by the NCI. While farmers, pesticide applicators, crop dusters, pesticide manufacturers, and home gardeners are listed as major populations at risk from this pesticide exposure, the NCI also notes that the general population may be exposed to low doses of ongoing pesticides from fruits and vegetables bought from the supermarket or from contaminated surface or ground water and are advised to wash fruits and veggies carefully before eating. You can also buy organic produce which lowers your pesticide exposure as well.
This is not the first study to relate that pesticide use is related to cancer either. Just a smattering of other studies in the last decade are linked below:
- Agricultural Pesticide Use May Be Associated With Increased Risk of Prostate Cancer
- A huge page of information related to the pesticides and cancer relationship.
- Children’s cancer and pesticide exposure.
[image by Ken Hammond for ARS photo library]
Not only is it important to not eat pesticides, but it is important not to expose the largest organ we have to pesticides… our skin. Organic clothing is on the forefront of fashion nowadays and not only that, it is healthier for us and our earth. I found a great resource for gorgeous sustainable clothing, embodies.com, just in case you are sure where to start
good health to you!