- Chemicals commonly sprayed on to crops raise the risk of tumours by 1.4 times
- Pesticides may contain cancer-causing compounds that cross the placenta
- Insecticides, which kill insects over other pests, are the most dangerous
- This may be because they are more commonly used than other pest controls
- Past research suggests strawberries and spinach contain the most pesticides
Exposure to pesticides in pregnancy increases a child’s risk of developing brain tumours, new research reveals.
Such chemicals, which are commonly sprayed on to crops to prevent insect damage, raise the risk of brain cancers by 1.4 times, a study review found.
The researchers believe pesticides may contain cancer-causing compounds that cross the placenta.
Lead author Nicolas d’Egurbide Bagazgoïtia from the French Institute of Health and Medical Research, said: ‘Our findings add another reason to advise mothers to limit their exposure to pesticides around the time of pregnancy.’
Previous research suggests the most chemical-ridden produce include strawberries, spinach and nectarines, while avocados, sweetcorn and pineapples are the least likely to contain pesticides.
Exposure to pesticides in pregnancy increases a child’s risk of developing brain tumours
How the research was carried out
Researchers from the French Institute of Health and Medical Research analysed 3,539 children under 15 years old from two previous trials.
Of the study review’s participants, 437 had brain cancer.
The researchers conducted phone interviews with the children.
Pesticides may contain cancer-causing compounds that cross the placenta
Pesticides increase the risk of brain cancer by 1.4 times
Results reveal exposure to pesticides in pregnancy increases a child’s risk of developing brain tumours by 1.4 times.
Insecticides, which specifically kill insects as opposed to termites, fungi or rodents, are particularly dangerous.
The researchers believe this may be due to insecticides being more commonly used in non-organic farming.
They add pesticides may cause childhood brain tumours if they contain cancer-causing compounds that cross the placenta.
Mr d’Egurbide Bagazgoïtia said: ‘Our findings add another reason to advise mothers to limit their exposure to pesticides around the time of pregnancy.’
The findings were published in the International Journal of Cancer.