Reduced cancer rates in agricultural workers: a benefit of environmental and occupational endotoxin exposure

Numerous epidemiological studies have suggested reduced cancer rates in workers employed in agricultural industries. Traditionally, these observations have been attributed to low tobacco consumption and the healthy worker effect(s). Recent investigations have suggested that endotoxin may be responsible for reducing lung cancer rates in various occupational groups. Endotoxin anticancer properties are believed to be mediated through immunological mechanisms. This paper provides evidence and suggests a hypothesis for endotoxin-mediated reduced cancer rates in agricultural workers. (C) 2000 Harcourt Publishers Ltd.