Because they did not expect to find an association between household chemicals and leukemia, the researchers did not inquire about the types of pesticides used. They are re-interviewing the families now to improve their understanding of the problem. This is only the second study showing a cancer link between humans and chlorinated solvents. Many studies of animals have shown carbon tetrachloride, tetrachloroethylene and trichloroethylene to be animal carcinogens, and one earlier study linked children's brain tumors to parental exposures to these solvents. The present study also showed that parents' exposures to spray paint, cutting oil, methyl ethyl ketone, and to dyes and pigments, increased the risk of leukemia in their children.
Parents bring the chemicals home on their skin and clothing and on their breath.
An adult's breath can carry chlorinated solvents for hours after exposure has ceased. Mothers may expose their infant children through breast milk. The greatest risk is to exposed infants and very young children.