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December 2nd, 2024
New research has found that twenty-two (22) pesticides are consistently associated with an increased incidence of prostate cancer across the county, with four (4) of these pesticides linked to death from prostate cancer. The new findings are published by Wiley online in the peer-reviewed American Cancer Society journal, aptly named CANCER. Investigators conducted an environment-wide association study, examining associations of 295 pesticides with prostate cancer across counties throughout the United States. Researchers used a lag of 10–18 years between exposure and the development of prostate cancer to account for the slow-growing nature of most prostate cancers. 1997–2001 pesticide use was examined in the years 2011–2015 for prostate cancer outcomes, while 2002–2006 pesticide use was compared to 2016–2020 outcomes.
Three pesticides, including 2,4-D – one of the most frequently used pesticides in the United States, that had previously been linked to prostate cancer were among the 22 pesticides that showed consistent, direct associations with prostate cancer incidence across both time-based analyses. Ten herbicides, several fungicides and insecticides, and a soil fumigant were found among the other 19 candidate pesticides not previously linked to prostate cancer. The four pesticides that were also linked to prostate cancer death were three herbicides (trifluralin, cloransulam-methyl, and diflufenzopyr) and one insecticide (thiamethoxam). Disturbingly, only one of those four, trifluralin, is classed by the Environmental Protection Agency as a “possible human carcinogen.” The EPA classifies the other three as “not likely to be carcinogenic” or having evidence of “non-carcinogenicity.” This new research suggests those designations should be reconsidered
This study adds to the growing body of science proving the harmful effects of chemicals most of us come into regular contact with through the foods we eat. It suggests that men, in particular, should reduce their consumption of conventionally grown produce that is grown with heavy pesticide use. Some ways to avoid such foods can be found here. In the meantime, if you believe your health has been harmed by exposure to pesticides, you should contact an experienced law firm right away to explore your rights.
