Do pesticides cause cancer?

Why are some people worried about pesticides and cancer?

Pesticides are chemicals that help plants grow by controlling pests like weeds and insects. You may have heard of products called herbicides or ‘weedkiller’.

Pesticides are often used in farming to increase the harvest of crops. People may also choose to use pesticides when gardening to protect their plants.

Some people are worried that using pesticides while gardening, or eating foods grown using pesticides could cause cancer. This may be because pesticides can be harmful to health at high levels. But most people only come into contact with very small amounts of pesticides in their daily life.

What does the research say about pesticides on food and cancer?

Leftover pesticides on food does not cause cancer.

Small amounts of pesticides can remain on the surface of food, like fruits and vegetables. But this is at low levels that are not harmful to people.

The level of pesticides found on food is regulated in the UK. The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) tracks the levels of pesticides on food. This is to check that any leftover pesticides are not harmful to health.

The Food Standards Agency (FSA) recommends washing fruit and vegetables before eating them so they are clean from soil and bacteria.

What does the research say about glyphosate and cancer?

Glyphosate is a chemical in many weedkillers. There is no strong evidence that using pesticides at low levels while gardening increases the risk of cancer.

Pesticides in the UK are assessed for safety before they are approved for use. Glyphosate is currently approved in the UK. If you are using weedkiller in your garden, make sure it is an approved product. And always follow the instructions for proper use.

Some studies have suggested a possible link between glyphosate and some types of cancer. But these studies are of people who are exposed to pesticides at the highest levels, such as farmers and agricultural workers. People using weedkiller in their garden use pesticides at much lower levels.

There isn’t enough good-quality evidence to be certain that exposure to pesticides at high levels causes cancer. We need more research to be sure.

You can find out more about this on our webpage on workplace cancer risks.

What are the proven causes of cancer?

There are many myths, questions and hot topics when it comes to cancer risk. But thanks to decades of research into preventing cancer, we know of proven ways to lower the risk of cancer.

These include not smoking, keeping a healthy weight, staying safe in the sun, cutting down on alcohol and eating a healthy, balanced diet.

Find out more about the proven causes of cancer and the healthy changes you can make to lower your risk of cancer.

Find out more