Are environmental levels of man-made pesticides and other synthetic chemicals an important cause of cancer?
No. Population studies and studies of the harmful properties of synthetic pesticides and other industrial chemicals do not support a cause and effect relationship between exposure to low levels of these materials and cancer. For more information, see reference 3. Do pesticides cause cancer in children? Pesticide exposure is only one of many potential causes being investigated. To be able to say with confidence that no association exists between pesticides and childhood cancer, the potential for such an association must be thoroughly studied. Many of the studies looking at these questions have been underway since the late 1980s. The findings from these studies are being evaluated and should be available by the end of 1999. Other potential environmental causes of cancer being investigated include infectious agents, maternal diet during pregnancy, ultraviolet and ionizing radiation, certain medications, food additives, tobacco, alcohol, heavy metals and air pollution. I have heard that th
