Pesky pesticides and cancer myths

Those irritating bugs always seem to find their way indoors during the summer months. Some people avoid using household bug sprays because they fear the pesticides may cause cancer. Many news reports have cited studies in which chemicals found in bug sprays have caused cancer in mice.   However, Dr. Shirish M. Gadgeel, a lung cancer specialist at the Barbara Ann Karmanos Cancer Institute in Detroit, Michigan, say those “pesky pesticides”, in reasonable doses, are nothing to worry about. There is no available evidence that suggests a link between using household pesticides and cancer. The only danger comes from improperly using a household bug spray, such as improper ventilation or direct, prolonged exposure to skin. Dr. Gadgeel says animal studies reported in the news often give the false impression that certain pesticides or chemicals cause an imminent danger to humans. In such studies, researchers use very high doses of a chemical when testing on animals, an exposure amount that a person would never ordinarily encounter. Human pesticide contact is much less, and these types of low-dose exposures have not been linked with an increased cancer risk. If using household pesticides is still a concern, Dr. Gadgeel suggests several precautions to take: Read the label. It is the first and best resource for information on the proper use of any product. The label will give “signal words” (i.e. caution, warning and danger) to help the user to determine the level of hazard the product presents.  Take time to prepare. Make sure to notify family and housemates before using a pesticide, and make sure to keep pets and children away from the area where a pesticide is being used. Dress for the task. Because pesticides can be absorbed through the skin, make sure to cover up areas where contact can occur (i.e. eyes, hands and feet). Rubber gloves, rubber boots or shoes and safety glasses are all great ways to protect against exposure to harmful chemicals. Wash your hands. As with using any chemical, even if using rubber gloves, a person should always wash their hands with soap and warm water. Clean your clothes. It’s always important to promptly remove and immediately wash all clothing after using a pesticide. Make sure to wash such clothing separately from any other laundry.