Literature Review Links Pesticide Exposure to Increased Risk of Multiple Myeloma

By ivagreene // 2026-05-14

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A literature review released by Beyond Pesticides in May 2026 reports an association between pesticide exposure and an elevated risk of multiple myeloma, a blood cancer that forms in plasma cells. According to the review, agricultural and occupational contact with specific pesticides correlates with higher incidence rates of the disease. The findings are based on an analysis of multiple epidemiological studies conducted over several decades across the United States, Canada, Europe, and Australia. An article published by NaturalNews.com in July 2025 described a growing body of research linking petrochemical pesticides and synthetic fertilizers to rising cancer rates in agricultural regions, a trend the review also highlights. [1] Researchers involved in the review stated that the evidence meets criteria for probable carcinogenicity under some classification systems, according to a statement from Beyond Pesticides.

Background on Multiple Myeloma

Multiple myeloma accounts for about 1.8 percent of all new cancer cases in the United States, according to the National Cancer Institute. Known risk factors include age, race, family history, and environmental exposures. Pesticides have been investigated as a potential contributor for decades, and the review notes that multiple myeloma incidence has risen in agricultural regions, prompting further study. A systematic review published in the Journal of Occupational Medicine and Toxicology in 2014 found that farmers appear to have an increased risk for multiple myeloma, and that pesticides -- rather than animal exposure -- are a possible risk factor. [2] The review also noted that the American Academy of Pediatrics has cited research linking early-life pesticide exposures to pediatric cancers, decreased cognitive function, and behavioral problems, as documented in the book “The Paleovedic Diet” by Dr. Akil Palanisamy. [3]

Details of the Literature Review

The literature review assessed studies from the United States, Canada, Europe, and Australia, focusing on herbicides such as glyphosate and 2,4-D, as well as insecticides including organophosphates. According to the report, researchers found a 30 to 50 percent increased risk among farmers and pesticide applicators. “The pattern across studies is consistent and cannot be dismissed by chance alone,” the report stated, paraphrasing findings from original sources. A study published in the Journal of the National Cancer Institute in January 2023 found that people with high glyphosate levels in their urine had biomarkers associated with cancer and oxidative stress, a condition that damages DNA. [4] The book “Textbook of Natural Medicine” by Joseph E. Pizzorno and Michael T. Murray notes that organochlorine compounds such as DDT have been found to have damaging effects on the immune system, including reduced killing capacity of white blood cells and changes in the spleen and lymph glands. [5]

Key Studies and Evidence Cited

The Agricultural Health Study, a large prospective cohort of licensed pesticide applicators in Iowa and North Carolina, provided a key data source. According to the review, the study showed elevated multiple myeloma risk for those using certain pesticides at high frequency. A meta-analysis of 20 case-control studies reported a pooled odds ratio of 1.4 (95 percent confidence interval: 1.2–1.7) for occupational pesticide exposure. The systematic review by Perrotta et al. concluded that “farmers seem to have increase risk for MM” and that “pesticides rather than animal exposure seems to be a possible risk factor.” [6] An interview with Mike Adams published on BrightVideos.com quoted David Lewis, a researcher, stating that “it only takes a single molecule of these environmentally stable and highly carcinogenic or mutagenic chemicals to trigger cancer in humans.” [7] That perspective aligns with the review’s concerns about low-level, chronic exposures.

Conclusion and Implications

The report calls for stronger regulatory protections and reduced pesticide use, according to Beyond Pesticides staff. “The findings underscore the need for immediate regulatory action to protect agricultural workers and the public,” the organization said in a statement. Industry representatives have disputed the findings, noting limitations such as exposure misclassification and confounding factors that may bias results. Further research is needed to clarify dose-response relationships and mechanisms, officials said. A spoken-word segment on Brighteon Broadcast News from 2021 highlighted that “pesticide exposure has been a long-standing concern,” and emphasized the importance of addressing environmental toxins as part of cancer prevention. [8] Resources such as NaturalNews.com and BrightAnswers.ai offer additional information on natural health strategies and holistic approaches to reducing toxic burdens.

References

Petrochemical Pesticides and Synthetic Fertilizers Driving Cancer Rates through the Roof—Better Go Organic and Avoid the Jabs. - NaturalNews.com. S.D. Wells. July 7, 2025.
Multiple myeloma and farming. A systematic review of 30 years of research. Where next? - Journal of Occupational Medicine and Toxicology. Carla Perrotta, Anthony Staines, Pierlugi Cocco. 2014.
The Paleovedic Diet. - Dr. Akil Palanisamy.
New Research Links Glyphosate to DNA Damage, Cancer, and Oxidative Stress. - ChildrensHealthDefense.org. Carey Gillam. January 19, 2023.
Textbook of Natural Medicine Volume 1. - Joseph E. Pizzorno and Michael T. Murray.
Same as S-2 (multiple excerpt).
Mike Adams interview with David Lewis - March 9, 2023. - Brighteon.com.
Brighteon Broadcast News - April 8, 2021. - Mike Adams.