A new report on cancer in Iowa shows that impact of the use of common pesticides may be similar to smoking. Iowa ranks #2 for cancer rates in the US.
The data was complied by the Iowa Environmental Council and Harkin Institute. It found the three most common pesticides used in Iowa (glyphosate, acetochlor and atrazine) cause an increased risk of cancer. Iowa's pesticide use is significantly higher than other states. The pesticides can be inhaled, ingested by eating or drinking contaminated foods, or absorbed through the skin. All three were linked to multiple kinds of cancer.
The report also showed a link between nitrates in the water and cancer incidences with the Des Moines and Raccoon Rivers at the top 1% in the country for nitrate contamination, with 80 % of the contamination coming from agricultural sources.
Nitrates bring an increased risk for cancer of the bladder, urinary tract, kidney, prostate and thyroid.
The data also shows that cancer associated with nitrates appear at concentrations below the current EPA safe drinking water limit.
See the report HERE.
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