What cancers can flower sellers get from pesticides on flowers?

Flower sellers may be at increased risk of certain cancers from long-term exposure to pesticides used on flowers.

Although direct studies specifically on flower sellers are scarce, there is some evidence from research on occupational exposure to pesticides in other sectors (such as agriculture) that may be relevant. The main concerns are for the following types of cancer: Non-Hodgkin lymphoma (NHL), leukemia, lung cancer, and skin cancer.

Several studies have shown that exposure to certain pesticides, particularly herbicides such as glyphosate and insecticides, may lead to an increased risk of non-Hodgkin lymphoma, a type of blood cancer. Flower sellers who regularly handle flowers treated with pesticides may ingest small amounts of these substances through inhalation or skin contact.

Exposure to insecticides and fungicides has been linked to an increased risk of leukemia. Some pesticides contain volatile organic compounds (VOCs) that can be absorbed into the body through inhalation.

Although the direct link between pesticides and lung cancer is less strong, inhalation of certain pesticides or chemical fumes in poorly ventilated areas can increase the risk of lung cancer.

Prolonged skin contact with pesticide-treated flowers can lead to exposure to substances that can cause skin cancer in some cases.

Source: https://publications.iarc.fr/Book-And-Report-Series/Iarc-Monographs-On-The-Identification-Of-Carcinogenic-Hazards-To-Humans/Some-Organophosphate-Insecticides-And-Herbicides-2017

Source: https://www.mdpi.com/1660-4601/11/4/4449

Author: Prof. Dr. Dirk Devroey - Latest update: 2024-10-17 - Copyright: Clinifacts 2025