Iowa Faces High Cancer Rates, Report Links Environmental Factors to Public Health Crisis
A new report titled 'Environmental Risk Factors and Iowa’s Cancer Crisis' indicates that Iowa has the second-highest rate of new cancer cases in the nation, with incidence continuing to rise, particularly in rural areas and among individuals under 50. The report, presented by Richard Deming, Kerri Johannsen, and Adam Shriver, examines the potential role of environmental exposures such as pesticides, nitrates, PFAS (per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances), radon, and air and water pollution in contributing to the state's cancer problem. Over 170,000 Iowans are currently living with or have previously received a cancer diagnosis. The study highlights that 80% of Iowa's 25 counties with the highest cancer rates are rural. Key environmental concerns identified through 16 cancer listening sessions across the state include agricultural chemicals, contaminated drinking water, industrial soil pollution, and both outdoor and indoor air pollution. The report specifically scrutinizes the widespread use of agricultural c...