Pesticide use in rural America is increasingly being linked to rising cancer rates among farmers, farmworkers, and their communities. A growing body of research indicates that these chemicals are contributing factors to a public health crisis that has gone largely unaddressed. In Hardin County, Iowa, residents are experiencing cancer diagnoses at rates significantly higher than the national average, prompting concern and calls for action.
Lisa Lawler, a resident of Hardin County, received a breast cancer diagnosis in 2025. With a family history of the disease—her mother succumbed to breast cancer in 2016—Lawler was not surprised by her diagnosis. “With how many people seem to get cancer in our community, you just assume you will get it,” she remarked. Following treatment, she underwent genetic testing to assess the risk of recurrence. The results indicated that her cancer was likely not genetic but rather environmental, leading her to question the factors at play.
Pesticide Use and Health Risks in Rural Communities
In Hardin County, which boasts around 800 farms, pesticide use is more than four times the national average. This area is emblematic of a broader trend; an analysis revealed that of the 500 counties with the highest pesticide use per square mile, a substantial 60 percent also reported cancer rates exceeding the national average of 460 cases per 100,000 people. The data was compiled from the U.S. Geological Survey and the National Cancer Institute.
Investigate Midwest, in collaboration with the University of Missouri, conducted an extensive investigation into the correlation between pesticides and cancer. Their findings highlighted that many affected communities are not only rural but also often lack adequate healthcare access. The study involved interviews with over 100 farmers, environmentalists, lawmakers, and scientists, revealing a nation grappling with the implications of pesticide use.
Kerri Johannsen, senior director of policy and programs at the Iowa Environmental Council, noted, “Cancer is everywhere and it’s an experience that is unfortunately all too common.” The extensive use of agrichemicals has bolstered America’s agricultural productivity, particularly for crops like corn and soybeans. However, these chemicals can drift into the air or contaminate waterways, posing health risks to nearby populations.
Regulatory Challenges and Ongoing Advocacy
Reports have surfaced indicating that pesticide manufacturers often dismiss claims linking their products to health issues, sometimes obscuring research that suggests potential dangers. Companies like Bayer, Syngenta, Corteva, and BASF have heavily lobbied for legislation that shields them from liability, complicating efforts to hold them accountable for health impacts.
“This is one of the most transparently reviewed products ever,” said Jessica Christiansen, head of crop science communications for Bayer, referring to Roundup, a widely used glyphosate-based pesticide. “There is no linkage to cancer, there just isn’t.”
Under the previous administration, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the U.S. Department of Agriculture hired numerous former pesticide executives, leading to concerns about potential regulatory rollbacks. Recent legislation in states like North Dakota and Georgia has further restricted residents’ ability to sue pesticide manufacturers, with more states considering similar measures.
Rob Faux, an Iowa farmer and advocate against pesticide liability protections, stated, “We’ve stopped treating pesticides as if they are dangerous tools.” He emphasized that the narrative pushed by manufacturers—that these products are safe and necessary for food production—has become pervasive.
Iowa, which reported 53 million pounds of pesticide use last year, has been at the forefront of this issue, with health professionals raising alarms about the escalating cancer rates. Local farmers have mobilized at the state Capitol, advocating for stronger regulations and funding to address the health crisis. Their efforts have successfully challenged a bill that would have limited legal recourse for those harmed by pesticides.
Bill Billings, a resident of Red Oak, was diagnosed with lymphoma in 2024, and his case illustrates the personal toll of pesticide exposure. Initially given only months to live, he underwent treatment and was declared cancer-free. Billings, a former regular user of Roundup, expressed concern about the financial implications of his diagnosis, noting the irony that Bayer Pharmaceuticals produced both the pesticide he used and the medication that treated his cancer. “It’s disturbing to find out you are in this financial circle,” he said.
This investigative report by Investigate Midwest highlights the urgent need for a comprehensive examination of the relationship between pesticide use and rising cancer rates in America’s heartland. As communities confront this pressing issue, the call for accountability and reform grows louder.
For a deeper understanding of this pressing issue, follow the ongoing series from Investigate Midwest, which aims to shed light on the complexities surrounding pesticides and public health.
