NEWS BRIEFS Not eating fruits and vegetables poses a greater cancer risk than do the trace amounts of pesticides found on those foods, according to a study published in the journal Cancer (Vol. 80, 1997, pp 2019-2033). The study was initiated in 1994 by a panel of toxicologists convened by the National Cancer Institute of Canada in response to citizens' concerns about exposure to pesticides in food. The panel focused on the largest body of literature containing studies of pesticides such as DDT and phenoxy herbicides. Although the panel concluded that high occupational exposure may increase cancer risk it also supported claims that current
leased in November. Noting that asthma rates tripled in the 1980s and that the overall incidence of childhood cancer increased 10% between 1973 and 1994, the report concludes that children are at greater risk than adults from exposure to lead, air pollution, pesticides, environmental tobacco smoke, and drinking water contamination. The report calls on the federal government to set exposure reduction targets and increase public access to information about children's exposure to toxics For a copy call (202) 289-6868
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