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

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

COMMENT: Again, this article does not report on the most deadly affect of chemicals which is fertility impairment. The impairment is not found in those exposed to these chemicals, but, rather, it is found in their offspring. One needs to limit their exposure to these chemicals as much as possible and try to exclusively use organic foods if at all possible.