{"id":41950,"date":"2026-07-01T00:01:34","date_gmt":"2026-07-01T04:01:34","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/beyondpesticides.org\/dailynewsblog\/?p=41950"},"modified":"2026-06-29T15:41:20","modified_gmt":"2026-06-29T19:41:20","slug":"studies-cite-childhood-cancers-linked-to-parental-and-residential-pesticide-exposure","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/beyondpesticides.org\/dailynewsblog\/2026\/07\/studies-cite-childhood-cancers-linked-to-parental-and-residential-pesticide-exposure\/","title":{"rendered":"Studies Cite Childhood Cancers Linked to Parental and Residential Pesticide Exposure"},"content":{"rendered":"

(Beyond Pesticides<\/em>, July 1, 2026) A review in the International Journal of Cancer<\/em><\/a> links pesticide exposure, particularly in areas with high agricultural crop density, to increased risks for childhood cancers<\/a>. The team of researchers from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln and University of Nebraska Medical Center, in analyzing epidemiologic studies published between January 1980 and September 2022, says that \u201cthis scoping review affirms that a robust body of epidemiology literature already informs how parental and childhood exposure to environmental chemical exposures can be associated with children’s incidence of pediatric leukemia and brain cancer.\u201d<\/p>\n

The scientific literature shows that pediatric cancer, which is a significant cause of morbidity and mortality in children, is associated with exposure to residential pesticides, pesticides ingested through drinking water, parental exposure, and in areas with close proximity to agricultural areas where pesticides are used.<\/p>\n

Background<\/strong><\/p>\n

According to the American Childhood Cancer Organization<\/a>, over 15,000 children in the U.S. are diagnosed with cancer each year, with pediatric cancer as the second leading cause of death in children 5\u20139 years of age and the third leading cause of death in children ages 10\u201314. (See here<\/a>.) In agricultural states, such as Nebraska, Iowa, Minnesota, Kansas, Illinois, Ohio, and Missouri, incidence rates<\/a> for pediatric cancer are increasing. This also places an economic burden on families, as the \u201ctotal cost incurred for one child with cancer<\/a> can approach a million dollars when accounting for medical expenses and lost parental income.\u201d<\/p>\n

Two of the most common childhood cancers, leukemia and brain cancer, can be attributed to pesticide exposure. Types of leukemia<\/a>, which are cancers originating in tissues, such as the bone marrow and the lymphatic system, are among the most prevalent cancers in children ages 0\u201314, with 25%\u201335% of all childhood cancers<\/a> being acute lymphocytic leukemia. Brain cancer<\/a> is the second most common cancer diagnosed in children, but also the number one disease-related cause of child mortality in the U.S., according to research in Cancer Epidemiology<\/em><\/a>. Childhood brain tumors (CBTs) are masses of abnormal cells found in the brain or tissues and structures surrounding the brain.<\/p>\n

\u201cGiven the short latency period (time between exposure and symptoms of disease) inherent in pediatric cancer, carcinogenesis may be uniquely linked to high-intensity environmental exposure and\/or highly susceptible individual genotypes,\u201d the authors note. They continue: \u201cResidential or agricultural pesticide use in spaces where children spend most of their time poses a significant risk to their well-being and physical development. Different types of pediatric cancers have varying latency periods, with bone cancers tending to occur in older children. In contrast, blood and brain cancers typically occur in children below the age of 10. Heredity is expected to play a role, but geographic disparities suggest that pediatric cancer may be affected by something other than inherited genetics, and something is disproportionately affecting the young population.\u201d<\/p>\n

Children face much higher hazards than adults from pesticide exposure. Their small size and developing organ systems, propensity to crawl and play near the ground, tendency for frequent hand-to-mouth motion, and greater intake of air and food relative to body weight make them particularly susceptible. (See Hazards of Pesticides for Children\u2019s Health<\/a> for more information.) Since children are more at risk from environmental exposures, areas with increased pesticide use further threaten their health.<\/p>\n

Scientific Literature Review<\/strong><\/p>\n

To identify the links between children and environmental contaminants, the researchers conducted a review of scientific literature on leukemia and CBTs associated with exposure to pesticides. While 88 papers met the study criteria, the review focuses on 30 studies that report statistically significant associations, with common themes of pesticide exposure within the home or nearby environment and parental occupational exposure.<\/p>\n

Residential Exposures<\/em><\/p>\n

Within the home, multiple chemical exposures can occur during fetal development, infancy, and childhood. As the authors state: \u201cParents with occupations in the agricultural industry can bring home trace amounts of chemicals on their shoes and clothing, which can lead to child exposure through inhalation, dermal contact, or ingestion. Children are also exposed through contact with pets treated with insecticides to prevent\/kill fleas and ticks.\u201d Additional exposures can occur with in-home applications of insecticides, in outdoor playing areas, and through maternal exposure<\/a> that crosses the placental barrier.<\/p>\n

Notable research includes:<\/p>\n