A new study suggests that using pesticides in your homes may increase the risk of children developing certain types of cancer, specifically leukemia or lymphoma. The new study, which was published in the journal Pediatrics, claims that using indoor pesticides is strongly linked to an increased risk of children developing either leukemia or lymphoma. The study was conducted by researchers at the Harvard School of Public Health in Boston, Massachusetts.

It is estimated that there are thousands of children each year that are poisoned by household pesticides. Children often become exposed to these common household pesticide products as a result of direct contact and then placing their hands in their mouth, according to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency.

While these pesticides may be necessary for getting rid of certain pests within your home, they can be extremely dangerous when exposed to your children. Household pests include germs, bed bugs, ants, flies, mice, rats, termites, mosquitoes, or cockroaches. Pesticides are also sometimes used on house pets to manage flea problems.

Researchers analyzed data from sixteen studies done since the 1990s which looked at the potential link between pesticides and cancer in children. The most significant connection they found was between childhood exposure to indoor pesticides and the risk of acute leukemia. How often these pesticides were used in the home also increased a child’s risk for developing hematopoietic cancers. Hematopoietic cancers are cancers that involve cells or tissues in the immune system or bone marrow. It was concluded by the researchers that the risk of developing these types of cancer were associated with two things: the type of pesticides that are used and the area of the body in which the child has been exposed to that pesticide.

Safe alternatives for harmful household pesticides:

·         Make sure your house is clean and dry. Many insects and rodents are attracted to food and water, so start off by making your home less attractive to pests.

·         Block entryways. Block access for new pests by making sure all potential entry points are sealed off.

·         Use chemical-free strategies. Vacuum, lay traps, or use a bug swatter.

·         Only use low-risk pesticides, or hire a trained professional to control your pest problem.

·         Minimize your exposure to pesticides. Only use the minimum recommended amount, follow all precautions, avoid frequent applications, and avoid throwing any finished pesticide products in the trash.