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DNA damage 'caused by pesticides' David Loyn New research in India suggests exposure to pesticides could have damaged the DNA of people in farming communities, leading to higher rates of cancer. Scientists at Patiala University, Punjab state, did the study, tracking a group of farmers for several months. But a spokesman for the crop industry trade association said a causal link between pesticide use and cancer could not be established. There have been concerns about potential links for several years. This new study discovered that the DNA of farmers in Punjab has been altered, making them susceptible to cancer.
'Significant change' Professor Satbir Kaur said the study ruled out other factors such as age, alcohol intake and smoking, concluding that the probable cause of this fundamental change in the building block of life was use of pesticide sprays. "We found significant change in the DNA, so the cancer risk is greatly increased when the extent of DNA damage is very high," he said.
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