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APHA Scientific Session and Event Listing

Kristina M. Walker, MSPH¹, Susan Carozza, PhD², and Sharon Cooper, PhD². (1) Epidemiology, University of Texas-Houston, School of Public Health, 1200 Hermann Pressler, Houston, TX 77030, 713-366-1627, kristina.m.walker@uth.tmc.edu, (2) Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Texas A&M University, School of Rural Public Health, 1266 TAMU, SRPH Building, College Station, TX 77843

With few established risk factors, cancer remains the second leading cause of death for children in the U.S. Agricultural pesticide use is one of many suspected factors that may contribute to the etiology of childhood cancer. This study tests the hypothesis that birth in Texas counties with moderate to intense agricultural activity increases childhood cancer risk. This case-control study analyzed 6,987 cases and controls aged 0-14 identified through the Texas Cancer Registry and Texas birth records, respectively. Exposure data were obtained from the Census of Agriculture. Percent cropland in the county of birth and a county agricultural pesticide cancer risk index incorporating EPA¢s carcinogenicity classification served as surrogates for pesticide exposure. Cancer sites examined include: all cancers, leukemia, lymphoma, CNS tumors and several specific subsites. Elevated ORs for the association between birth in counties with ³50% cropland were produced for all CNS tumors (OR=1.3, 95%CI=0.9-1.8), astrocytoma (OR=1.4, 95%CI=0.8-2.2) and Primitive Neuroectodermal Tumor(OR=1.3, 95%CI=0.7-2.5). An elevated OR was observed for non-Hodgkin¢s Lymphoma and the highest level of county agricultural pesticide cancer risk index (OR=1.4, 95%CI=0.8-2.6). Tthese exposure assessment methods represent novel applications of Agricultural Census data. While a pattern of increased risk was observed between percent cropland and CNS tumors, these results do not support an association between birth in Texas counties with moderate to intense agricultural activity and childhood cancer. Future research should incorporate individual level data from various sources to increase precision and decrease potential misclassification.

Learning Objectives: At the conclusion of the session, the participant (learner) in this session will be able to

• Identify risk factors for childhood cancer.
• Identify potential routes of exposure to pesticides for children.
• Describe potential applications of USDA Census Data.
• Discuss limitations of assessment of community based pesticide exposures.

Presenting author's disclosure statement:

Not Answered