The Evaluation of Carcinogenic Risk to Humans: Occupational Exposures in the Spraying and Application of Insecticides

The international Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) has reviewed the carcinogenic risk to man of the occupation of spraying or applying insecticides. IARC was unable to conclude that a causal relationship had been established (category 1), but there was some evidence which led them to consider the occupation to be probably carcinogenic (in category 2A). These conclusions have been reviewed by a working group of the International Group of National Associations of Manufacturers of Agrochemical Products (GIFAP) to determine what steps needed to be taken which might improve safety for those working with insecticides. The working group reinforced the view that a causal relationship could not be established. In addition, the usage rate of insecticides has decreased since the time of the studies that IARC considered, their general toxicity has decreased, and the products themselves have been the subject of close regulatory scrutiny. It is considered that these changes are addressing any concerns that may be raised by the IARC report.