Insecticide sprays increase the risk of cancer in young children.

A new analysis suggests that children who are frequently exposed to indoor insect sprays are more likely to develop leukemia and lymphoma.

Photo: Asiaone.

Research based on data from North America, Europe, and Australia shows that the use of insect repellent sprays should be minimized in homes and schools. "If you spray in places children frequent, the risk of illness is very concerning," said Chensheng Lu, a professor and member of the research team from Harvard University (USA). The study results indicate that children exposed to these chemicals have a 47% higher rate of leukemia and a 43% higher rate of lymphoma.

Scientists explain that children's habit of putting their hands to their mouths inadvertently causes pesticides to adhere to their skin and enter their bodies. Unlike adults, young children's bodies are not yet strong enough to excrete all toxins, leading to problems with the respiratory system, stomach, nervous system, and endocrine system. Previously, a 7-year-old Italian boy died because his parents sprayed too much pesticide in their home. Speaking to Reuters, Professor Lu said: "This case serves as a warning about the dangers of insect sprays."

The professor concluded that chemicals created to kill insects inevitably harm human health. He advised parents to be extremely careful and absolutely refrain from spraying pesticides indoors to protect their children's health.

According to VnExpress