Eye-Opening Map Shows the Link Between Glyphosate and Cancer
Food & Water Watch Research Director Amanda Starbuck spoke with Investigate Midwest about this map and why we need protective pesticide policies. See her interview at fwwat.ch/amanda
The World Health Organiza- tion classified glyphosate* as probably carcinogenic to humans over ten years ago. It specifically linked exposure to non-Hodgkin lymphoma (NHL), a type of blood cancer. Our Food & Water Watch research team wanted to see how glyphosate has impacted the health of farming commu- nities in this country. They took cancer incident data from the National Cancer Institute and overlaid it on a map of counties that spray the most glyphosate on commodity crops such as corn and soybeans.
Their analysis found an alarm- ing correlation , particularly in Iowa and the Upper Midwest. Of the counties spraying the most glyphosate per square mile, that have reported NHL rates: • 60% have NHL rates above the national average. • 71% have late-stage NHL rates above the national average. • In Iowa, 82% of high glypho- sate counties have NHL rates above the national average, and half are “hot spots” — in the top 20% for NHL rates nationwide. This map underscores not only the need to scale back chemical pesticide use, but to pass federal legislation that
protects the rights of people who have been poisoned by these toxic products. Moreover, we need a sustain- able food future — one where we can grow healthy food without poisoning farming communities and our environ- ment in the process.
See the Map
You can use this interac- tive map to inform your- self, engage
in local discussions, and advocate for policies that protect our health. fwwat.ch/cancermap
*Glyphosate is the active ingredient in the Roundup pesticide.
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