How Does Non-Point Source Pollution Contribute to Cancer?
NPS pollution can introduce a variety of carcinogenic substances into the environment. For instance, agricultural runoff often contains pesticides and herbicides, many of which are known or suspected carcinogens. Urban stormwater can carry chemicals like polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), metals, and other industrial pollutants that have been linked to cancer. When these substances enter water supplies, soil, and air, they can be ingested, inhaled, or come into contact with the skin, increasing the risk of cancer.