53 million pounds. That’s how much pesticide gets sprayed across Iowa every year—more than any other state in the country. With Iowa having the second-highest and fastest-growing cancer rates in America, the science is connecting some uncomfortable dots between what’s in our fields and what’s happening to our neighbors.
On this episode of Cornhole Champions, Zachary Oren Smith breaks down his investigative reporting on Iowa’s massive pesticide problem. From the Agricultural Health Study tracking 89,000 farming families since 1993 to the “gray zone” between cutting-edge science and outdated regulations, we explore why 17 pounds of pesticides are applied for every single Iowan.
This reporting is part of Iowa Starting Line’s investigative series “The Hotspot”—sign up for the newsletter to get these deep dives straight to your inbox. https://iowastartingline.com/cancer-in-iowa/
Cornhole Champions is a weekly podcast powered by Iowa Starting Line. This podcast is produced by Zachary Oren Smith and edited by Rebecca Steinberg. Our music is by Avery Mossman and our show art is from Desirée Tapia.
*SHOW RUNDOWN:*
00:00 – Iowa’s Staggering Pesticide Problem: 53 Million Pounds Annually
01:30 – Iowa’s Cancer Crisis: Second Highest Rates in America
02:30 – 17 Pounds of Pesticides Applied Per Iowa Resident
04:30 – Agricultural Health Study: 89,000 Families Since 1993
06:30 – The “Cancer Gag Act” vs. EPA Approval Controversy
07:30 – The “Gray Zone” Between Science and Policy
10:30 – Company-Funded Studies vs. Independent Research
12:30 – Don Carpenter’s Story: Real People, Real Impact
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