Pesticides are vital for achieving high crop yields and ensuring food security, but what is the cost to human health? A study adds to the growing concern, revealing that the cancer risk associated with pesticide use in agriculture is similar to that of smoking.

The cancer risk from smoking is well-known, but researchers are now drawing a stark comparison with the dangers posed by agricultural use of pesticides. Their findings reveal significant links between pesticide exposure and several forms of cancer, including leukemia, non-Hodgkin's lymphoma, as well as bladder, lung, and pancreatic cancers.

"In our study, we found that for some cancers, the effect of agricultural pesticide usage is comparable in magnitude to the effect of smoking," Dr. Isain Zapata, the study's senior author from the College of Osteopathic Medicine, Colorado, said in a news release.

"It is difficult to explain the magnitude of an issue without presenting any context, so we incorporated smoking data. We were surprised to see estimates in similar ranges," Zapata said.

To explore potential connections between pesticide exposure and cancer rates, the researchers analyzed data on 69 different pesticides from the United States Geological Survey. In a population-based, nationwide study, they examined county-wide agricultural pesticide use alongside cancer incidence and found that the impact of pesticides on cancer rates might rival that of smoking. The results of the study were published in the journal Frontiers.

Since pesticides are rarely used in isolation, pinpointing a single culprit is difficult. Although some pesticides may be more frequently discussed in connection with cancer, it is the combination of several pesticides that often makes the impact, the researchers explained.

"In the real world, it is not likely that people are exposed to a single pesticide, but more to a cocktail of pesticides within their region," Zapata said.

"Geographic trends showed that counties with higher agricultural productivity, such as the leading corn-producing states of the Midwest, also have increased cancer risk due to pesticide exposure. Our results highlight the relevance of comprehensive assessments for the development of policy considerations and the implementation of preventive measures to mitigate the risks for vulnerable communities. Our study pioneers and lays a holistic vision foundation for future pesticide-related cancer risk assessments," the researchers wrote.

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