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Cancer rise may be linked to farm chemicals
NEW YORK, Oct 15 (Reuters) -- The number of cases of non-Hodgkin's lymphoma,
chronic lymphocytic leukemia, and testicular tumors increased in three
predominantly agricultural counties in western Ireland during the past
decade, Irish researchers report in the Journal of Epidemiology and
Community Health.

The increase may be at least partly a result of increased exposure to
agricultural chemicals, the researchers theorize.

Investigating anecdotal reports of an increase in testicular tumors and
leukemia in workers employed by the fish farming industry, the researchers
analyzed the incidence of various cancers in Galway, Mayo and Roscommon
counties between 1980 and 1990.

The last decade saw considerable growth in agricultural industries,
particularly fish farming, according to the researchers, Dr. Cecily Kelleher
of National University of Ireland, Galway, and colleagues. In Ireland, 14%
of the population is currently employed in agriculture.

The incidence of testicular tumors increased significantly among manual
workers, and certain agricultural workers, particularly fish farmers, in
Western Ireland between 1980 and 1990, the researchers found.

The incidence of non-Hodgkin's lymphoma and chronic lymphocytic leukemia
also increased over the 11-year period, they report. An increase in leukemia
and non-Hodgkin's lymphoma was particularly noted among farmers living in
this region.

Exactly why there was an increase in these cases is unclear, Kelleher and
colleagues write. A number of medical conditions can increase risks of
non-Hodgkin's lymphoma, but environmental carcinogens ``may be more likely
to be implicated in the development of non Hodgkin's lymphoma,'' they
report. Some study findings suggest that exposure to a wide range of
chemicals used in farming and forestry can increase risks of the disease.
Farmers who had lymphoma or leukemia were less likely to use protective
masks while spraying pesticides and other chemicals than those who were
cancer-free, the researchers note. And those with cancer were also more
likely to use hand-held pesticide sprayers, or back-pack mounted sprayers,
rather than tractor mounted sprayers, they report.

In light of these findings, possible links between cancer incidence and
agricultural work warrant further study, Kelleher and colleagues conclude.

``In a country with a strong dependence on agriculture, the implications for
further occupational surveillance and for attention to work practice,
particularly in the handling of potentially noxious materials, is clear,''
they write.

SOURCE: Journal of Epidemiology and Community Health 1998;52:651-656.

Mahesh [log in to unmask]