According to KWWL, a new report released Wednesday links Iowa’s high cancer rates to environmental factors including pesticides, contaminated drinking water and industrial pollution.
The Iowa Environmental Council and The Harkin Institute for Public Policy and Citizen Engagement published “Environmental Risk Factors and Iowa’s Cancer Crisis,” which reviews scientific studies examining how environmental hazards contribute to cancer in the state. The report focuses on pesticides — particularly glyphosate, acetochlor and atrazine — along with PFAS chemicals, nitrate, radon and other industrial contaminants.
Iowa has some of the highest nitrate levels in drinking water in the country, widespread pesticide use, elevated radon concentrations in homes and growing concerns about PFAS contamination. The report includes visual maps and data showing how these environmental risks affect Iowans, including younger residents.
The report includes recommendations for local, state and federal policymakers on reducing cancer risk. While many people know that smoking, alcohol and UV light can cause cancer, the report notes that environmental factors in water, soil and air receive far less attention.