Atrazine and/or Triazine Herbicides Exposure and Cancer

An objective review of the literature was undertaken concerning atrazine and/or triazine herbicides exposure and human cancer(s). The time period covered was from 1966 through 1994. Out of ten case/control studies published, six dealing with atrazine, none indicated any statistically significant association between atrazine and cancer. Two studies indicated marginally significant associations between triazines and cancer (OR = 1.6, 95% CI = 1.0-2.6 and OR = 2.7, 90% CI = 1.0-6.9). A number of studies concerned non-Hodgkin's lymphoma, with odds ratios for atrazine or triazine exposure ranging from 1.1 to 2.2. Although positive, these were not statistically significant. At this point in time, causal criteria are not satisfied for atrazine and/or triazine(s) exposure and this malignancy. The methodologies of the published studies are critiqued; herbicide exposure assessment is frequently the weakest link. Several epide-miologic studies concerning atrazine or triazines exposure and cancer are currently underway. Such research should be focused on reproductive system cancers, lymphomas, and leukemias.