Do Pesticides in the Home Increase the Likelihood of Childhood Cancers?

LA Testing provides pesticide testing services to ensure indoor and outdoor environments are safe for children and building occupants.

Garden Grove, CA

A new study published in the journal Therapeutic Drug Monitoring reports a potential connection between organophosphate pesticides and lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL). Organophosphate pesticides are commonly used in homes to kill pests. According to the report there is no direct evidence the cancer is caused by the pesticides, but it does reveal a possible strong link.

Earlier this year the journal Pediatrics also published a study that reported that pesticide exposure in children seams to boost the chances that children will be diagnosed with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). The study found that children with high levels of pesticides in their urine had almost double the risks of having ADHD.

Environmental exposures to pesticides can come in many forms and be especially damaging to children. Children can be exposed in their homes due to contaminated foods or improperly stored or applied pesticides. In agricultural areas children may also be exposed to pesticides through airborne drift and water contamination.

According to the EPA website discussing pesticides and food, “…there are ‘critical periods’ in human development when exposure to a toxin can permanently alter the way an individual’s biological system operates.” Diet and environmental exposures to pesticides are the major exposure routes for children.

LA Testing, an affiliate of EMSL Analytical and a leading provider of pesticide testing services, has been analyzing environmental and food samples for pesticides for years. “These two reports show the dangers of both pesticide exposure in people’s homes and the dangers of foods contaminated with these chemicals,” reported Ben Sublasky, National Director of Client Services for LA Testing and EMSL Analytical. “Pesticides are commonly used on many food products, including fruits and vegetables, so it is important that parents take notice and properly wash foods to eliminate as much pesticide as possible and minimize their use indoors.”

To learn more about pesticide testing services please visit www.LATesting.com, email info@LATesting.com or call (800) 755-1794.

About LA Testing and EMSL Analytical, Inc.
LA Testing and EMSL Analytical are providers of environmental testing services and products to professionals and the general public. The companies have an extensive list of accreditations from leading organizations as well as state and federal regulating bodies.

Contact Information

Ben Sublasky

National Director of Client Services/Operations Manager

EMSL Analytical, Inc.

Contact via E-mail