Phorate Exposure and Cancer Risk in Farmers
Author Information
Author(s): Rajeev Mahajan, Matthew R. Bonner, Jane A. Hoppin, Michael C.R. Alavanja
Primary Institution: National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health
Hypothesis
Does phorate exposure increase the incidence of cancer among pesticide applicators?
Conclusion
The study found no clear association between phorate exposure and overall cancer incidence, but suggested a potential interaction with family history for prostate cancer risk.
Supporting Evidence
- Phorate use was not related to the incidence of all cancers combined.
- Prostate cancer risk was not significantly related to phorate use overall.
- The risk of prostate cancer tended to increase among applicators with a family history of prostate cancer.
Takeaway
Farmers who use a pesticide called phorate didn't show higher cancer rates overall, but those with a family history of prostate cancer might be at a bit more risk.
Methodology
The study used a prospective cohort design with self-administered questionnaires to assess pesticide exposure and cancer incidence over an average follow-up of 7.5 years.
Potential Biases
Potential confounding from exposure to other pesticides, although adjustments were made.
Limitations
Small numbers of exposed cases for certain cancers limited the analysis, and there may have been some exposure misclassification.
Participant Demographics
The cohort included 52,395 private applicators and 4,916 commercial applicators, primarily male, from Iowa and North Carolina.
Statistical Information
Confidence Interval
95% CI, 0.99–2.37
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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