Overview

• Published September 10 in the journal Cancers, the peer‑reviewed analysis of more than 800 acute lymphoblastic leukemia cases found a 60% higher five‑year death risk after any prenatal pesticide exposure and a 91% increase after prenatal rodenticide exposure.
• Exposure was widespread in the cohort, with 92% of children exposed to at least one pesticide before or after birth.
• Mortality was highest for infants at diagnosis, children from lower‑income or lower‑education households, and Black children, while white children with prenatal rodenticide exposure showed particularly elevated death rates.
• Breastfeeding was associated with a protective effect, according to the study authors.
• The federally funded research (NIEHS, CDC/ATSDR, EPA, among others) reported no conflicts of interest and highlighted free WSPEHSU Prescriptions for Prevention resources, while noting the observational design and need for further study.