Children of moms exposed to pesticides during pregnancy have a greater risk for developing childhood cancers, according to a California statewide case-control study. The same is true for children exposed to pesticides during early childhood.
The peer-reviewed study, published in the International Journal of Hygiene and Environmental Health, looked at childhood cancers in rural agricultural areas in California.
Based on data collected by the California Cancer Registry and the California Department of Pesticide Regulation’s Pesticide Use Reporting system, the study’s authors observed elevated risks for both childhood acute lymphoblastic leukemia and acute myeloid leukemia.
Coincidentally, U.S. Right to Know’s Stacy Malkan updated and republished an article this month exposing how the Koch-funded nonprofit, Independent Women’s Forum (IWF), partners with Monsanto to defend toxic chemicals in food and consumer products. The article also highlights how the IWF argues against laws that would curb the power of corporations. According to Malkan:
“IWF pushes the talking points of Monsanto and the chemical industry: promoting GMOs and pesticides, attacking the organic industry and moms who choose organic food, and opposing transparency in food labels.”
Seems the good old boys at the Koch brothers’ “Toxic Empire” think that if they use women to spread lies about toxic chemicals, they’ll bring more women over to the dark side.
Yet as this latest study shows, it’s women—and their children—who are paying a high price for the reckless use of pesticides.
Read ‘Independent Women’s Forum: Koch-Funded Group Defends Pesticide, Oil, Tobacco Industries’
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