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What's really on your plate? How pesticide residues could increase your cancer risk

Scientific studies link long-term exposure to pesticide residues in food with increased cancer risk, especially for vulnerable groups. Experts highlight the importance of washing produce, choosing organic options and advocating safer farming. Policy reforms and farmer education are crucial for reducing pesticide misuse and ensuring food safety, protecting both health and the environment. read more Scientific evidence indicates that long-term exposure to pesticide residues in food can increase the risk of certain cancers, say leading medical and agricultural experts. While the risk to a single consumer from low-level exposure is generally low, chronic consumption, especially of produce with high pesticide loads can have cumulative health effects. Explaning the complex relationship between pesticide residues and cancer risk. Dr. Nitesh Rohatgi, Senior Director of Medical Oncology at Fortis Memorial Research Institute, (Gurugram), said, 'Yes, scientific research indicates a potential relationship between chronic exposure to certain pesticide residues in food and the heightened risk of developing some forms of cancer,' he told Firstpost. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD 'While risk to a single consumer from low-level exposure via diet is generally found to be low, chronic consumption over years, particularly of commodities with high pesticide loads, can cumulatively lead to health problems.' Pesticides, he said, are intended to kill or repel pests, but some chemical constituents can disrupt biological processes in humans. 'Some pesticides are endocrine disruptors, genotoxic (toxic to DNA), or immunotoxic, which can cause cellular alterations and enhance cancer risk in the long run.' He pointed out that the World Health Organisation's International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) has categorised several pesticides as 'possibly' or 'probably' carcinogenic to humans based on epidemiological and animal evidence. Dr. Rohatgi added that certain groups—farm workers and people living in high pesticide-use areas face increased risk through direct occupational exposure. 'For the general population, particularly when exposure is through food residues, the evidence continues to be investigated, and the risk, although real, is still regarded as relatively modest compared to other cancer risks such as tobacco smoking, alcohol, obesity, and infectious agents.' He identified specific pesticides linked to carcinogenicity: Glyphosate, a widespread herbicide, is classified by IARC as 'probably carcinogenic to humans' (Group 2A) based on its association with non-Hodgkin lymphoma in occupational exposures. However, the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has concluded it is not carcinogenic at dietary exposure levels, a point of ongoing scientific debate. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Malathion and Diazinon, both organophosphate insecticides, are classified as 'probably carcinogenic' by IARC, with malathion linked to prostate cancer and non-Hodgkin lymphoma. Chlorpyrifos, another organophosphate insecticide, is under regulatory scrutiny for developmental and neurological toxicity, though it is not formally classified as carcinogenic by IARC. DDT, although banned in most countries, still persists environmentally and is considered 'probably carcinogenic' by IARC with links to liver and breast cancers. 'Trace amounts of these pesticides can be found on fruits, vegetables, and cereals depending on agricultural practices and regulatory standards in different countries,' said Dr. Rohatgi. On practical steps, Dr. Rohatgi advised consumers to minimize pesticide exposure with several measures. 'Rinse fruits and vegetables well—running water can remove surface residues. Soaking produce in a baking soda solution (1 tsp per 2 cups of water) for 10–15 minutes might take away even more residues.' He recommended peeling certain items such as apples, cucumbers, and potatoes, though he noted this may reduce nutrient content. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD He also suggested buying organic produce when possible, especially for items on the 'Dirty Dozen' list known for high pesticide residues, such as strawberries, spinach, and apples. Diversifying one's diet and consulting local pesticide residue reports from food safety agencies are further ways to reduce risk. 'Finally,' he said, 'promoting safer agriculture practices such as integrated pest management (IPM) and organic farming, along with stricter pesticide regulations, can lead to long-term improvements.' Dr. Pushpinder Gulia, Director of Surgical Oncology and Robotic Oncosurgery at CK Birla Hospital, Gurugram, echoed these concerns. 'Long-term exposure to certain pesticide residues in food has been linked to an increased risk of cancer in several epidemiological and laboratory studies,' he said. He emphasised that while regulatory bodies set maximum residue limits (MRLs) considered 'safe,' cumulative exposure can still pose risks, especially for vulnerable groups such as children, pregnant women, and farmworkers. Dr. Gulia highlighted commonly found pesticides with carcinogenic potential: 'Glyphosate is used in crops like corn and soy; chlorpyrifos is an insecticide in fruits and vegetables; malathion and diazinon are insecticides used in agriculture; and atrazine is a herbicide used in corn fields.' STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD He advised consumers to make smart food choices: 'Buy organic, particularly for high-residue items. Choose locally grown produce from smaller farms that often use fewer chemicals. Wash and peel fruits and vegetables thoroughly—washing under running water helps, and peeling removes residues but also some nutrients.' For washing, Dr. Gulia recommended 'soaking in a 10% vinegar solution or baking soda wash (1 tsp baking soda per 2 cups water) for 15 minutes to remove surface residues.' He added that cooking or blanching may reduce some residues but can also diminish nutrients. To further reduce risks, he urged diet diversification: 'Rotate the types and sources of produce to avoid repeated exposure to the same pesticides and balance nutrient intake.' On the regulatory and policy front, Dr. R.G. Agarwal, Chairman Emeritus of Dhanuka Agritech Limited, said India needs a robust policy framework to monitor and regulate pesticide use effectively. 'Modernising the outdated Insecticides Act of 1968 is critical to align regulations with current scientific knowledge and pest control methods,' he said. 'Strengthening registration and licensing with rigorous health and environmental risk assessments will help remove dangerous, spurious, and unapproved products.' STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Dr. Agarwal stressed the importance of strict penalties to discourage violations and the immediate phase-out of extremely hazardous pesticides, especially those banned internationally. He cautioned against misconceptions that scientifically approved pesticides inherently cause cancer. 'The threat comes from misuse, unapproved products, or excessive application, not from proper use of qualified products.' He called for farmer education on safe pesticide handling, integrated pest management, and bio-pesticides. 'Effective enforcement, transparent labeling, availability of protective equipment, and stakeholder coordination are essential to protect health and make agriculture sustainable.' Dr. Agarwal also emphasised training dealers and distributors to promote responsible pesticide use and provide accurate recommendations to farmers, ensuring safety in the field.