Final answer:
Leukemia affects blood cells and is the main type of cancer in children. The author links leukemia to pesticide use by discussing a study that found the severe health problems caused by pesticides.
Step-by-step explanation:
The author suggests that what is unique about leukemia is that it affects blood cells and is the main type of cancer in children, making up about one third of all childhood cancers. Leukemia starts in the bone marrow where blood cells are produced and causes the production of abnormal white blood cells, replacing normal blood cells over time. This can lead to symptoms such as fatigue, frequent infections, and easy bruising or bleeding.
The author links leukemia to pesticide use by discussing a study that found the health problems caused by pesticides are severe and affecting a high percentage of the rural population. Despite the existence of technology and policy solutions, government policies continue to promote the use of pesticides. The study concludes that any company that cannot ensure the safe use of highly toxic pesticides should remove them from the market, and that it is almost impossible to achieve safe use of highly toxic pesticides among small farmers in developing countries.