New Study on Child-Harming Pesticides Should Spur State, National Action

A new study released today found that children exposed to commonly used pesticides have significantly reduced lung function — comparable to damage caused by exposure to second-hand cigarette smoke.

 

Researchers from UC Berkeley's CHAMACOS project in California's central coast region found measured lung function among 279 children, and found that higher levels of breakdown products from organophosphate pesticides in the children's bodies were linked to significantly lower exhalation rates — about 8% less air.