A new study published in the medical journal Pediatrics has found pesticides may be linked to certain types of cancer and lowered IQ in children. According to the research, which combined data from 16 prior studies, indoor pesticide use increased the risk of childhood lymphoma by 43 percent and leukemia by 47 percent. Authors of the study noted that childhood cancers are increasing every year, and pesticides have been suspected for a long time. In addition to leukemia and lymphoma, the risk of bladder and prostate cancer are also increased into adulthood.

Children can be exposed to indoor pesticides by inhalation or ingestion. After rooms are sprayed, children’s toys can still contain toxic residue. Researchers claim children younger than 12 are the most at risk for developing cancer from pesticide exposure.

Cancer is not the only consequence of pesticide exposure. Exposure can cause lowered IQ and learning disabilities such as ADHD.

What Other Health Problems Can Pesticides Cause?

Two recent cases show how some pesticides can also cause serious and permanent health problems. A Florida family became severely ill after having their home fumigated for termites. All of the family members became very sick, and a 10-year-old boy was left severely brain damaged and paralyzed. According to family members, he has lost 90 percent of his motor skills and cannot speak.

The second case of methyl bromide poisoning involves a Delaware family of four vacationing in the U.S. Virgin Islands. According to an investigation, their room had been fumigated. The father now has “locked-in syndrome” and can only move his eyes. One of the sons is paralyzed from the neck down and the other son is in a coma.

The safety of indoor pesticide use may require more investigation from researchers.

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