The risk for colon cancer and the consumption of Ontario sport fish, particularly Great Lake sport fish

The presence of pesticides in the Great Lakes is known to researchers and is a matter of concern to the public and government officials. Pesticides such as PCBs, mirex, and DDT are of special concern because they have been identified as critical pollutants (IJC, 1994).; US case reports and studies of Egyptian children have led to investigations of the association between colorectal cancer and pesticide exposure. Undetermined risks to date from such exposures warrants further study. Research has identified sportfish consumption as a major route of exposure with Great Lake sportfish containing high concentrations due to bioaccumulation.; A case-control study design is employed to examine the risk for colon cancer associated with pesticide exposure from sportfish consumption.; Multivariate analyses show an increase in risk for those who consume Great Lake sport fish 1–6 times/year. No increase in risk is associated with individual exposure estimates calculated from reported sportfish consumption.