Cancer Information Service

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Pesticides

Peer Review Status: Holden Comprehensive Cancer Center, Cancer Information Service
First Published: May 2003
Last Revised: June 2003

Farmers are relatively heavy users of pesticides, and they appear to experience an excess of certain types of cancer. Cancers seen more commonly in farmers include non-Hodgkin's lymphoma, soft tissue sarcoma, cancer of the lip, stomach, brain, and prostate. Non-Hodgkin's lymphoma and sarcomas are also increasing in the general population of the United States, suggesting that a common set of exposures may be involved. Further research is needed to clarify the relationship between cancer and agricultural exposures, including pesticides.

The major routes of exposure to pesticides are the skin and eyes. Other exposure routes include breathing and ingestion. The tasks that bring about the exposure to pesticides include the handling, loading, mixing and applications of pesticides to crops, lawns and gardens, weeds, insects and livestock.

There are some safety rules that anyone at home or on the farm should follow:

• Don't spray liquid or gaseous pesticides on windy days, to minimize pesticide drift.
• Personal exposure can be decreased through the use of goggles and chemical-resistant gloves.
• If storing pesticides, keep them in their original containers and make sure they are clearly labeled.
• Refasten all lids or closures tightly.
• Store in an area away from children and pets.
• When discarding, call the county health department to see if it has a hazardous waste collection program in your community.
• Clothing worn while handling and applying pesticides can be a continuing source of exposure if pesticide resides are not completely removed between wearing. Laundering suggestions include:
  • Clothing worn during the application of pesticides should be removed immediately and laundered separately.
  • If clothing has been soiled with pesticides it should be pre-rinsed either by spraying or hosing down before washing, soaking in a tub or bucket and disposing of the water carefully, or pre-soaking in a washing machine, disposing of the water before washing.
  • Use hot water (140 degrees).
  • Do not overcrowd clothing in the washer.
  • Fill the machine to the full level and use the normal length cycle.
  • Use heavy-duty detergent.
  • Do not use bleach or ammonia. Pesticides react with these two agents.
  • Double rinse, if possible.
  • Line dry clothing to avoid contaminating the dryer.
  • Rinse the washing machine with a load of hot water before laundering other clothing.