In Illinois, cancer and pesticide rates typically rise together
4 hours ago
- #cancer-rates
- #pesticides
- #agriculture-regulation
- Three-fourths of Illinois counties have cancer rates above the national average, correlating with 25% higher pesticide use compared to other counties.
- Nationally, 60% of the 500 counties with the highest pesticide and herbicide use also exceed the average cancer rate of 460 cases per 100,000 people.
- High cancer rates in Illinois are concentrated in central crop-growing regions, with similar patterns observed in Missouri, Iowa, and North Dakota.
- Scientific research increasingly links pesticides to cancer, with a 2024 study suggesting they may rival smoking as a risk factor.
- Illinois legislative efforts to regulate agrichemical use, such as requiring advance notice for spraying near schools and parks, have faced industry opposition.