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Cancer risk near a polluted river in Finland
Pia K Verkasalo1, Esa Kokki, Eero Pukkala
1Department of Environmental Health, National Public Health Institute, Kuopio, Finland. pia.verkasalo@ktl.fi
Environmental Health Perspectives
|June 17, 2004
Summary
Cancer risk near Finland's River Kymijoki was studied. While overall cancer rates were as expected, proximity to the river showed a slight increase in skin cancer and other types, particularly for farmers.
Area of Science:
- Environmental Health
- Epidemiology
- Toxicology
Background:
- The River Kymijoki in southern Finland is contaminated with polychlorinated dibenzo-p-dioxins and dibenzofurans.
- This pollution may pose a health risk to local populations, particularly farmers.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate cancer risk among residents living near the River Kymijoki.
- To assess the relationship between proximity to the river and cancer incidence.
Main Methods:
- Utilized a geographic information system (GIS) with registry data from 1980.
- Analyzed cancer incidence from 1981 to 2000 for 188,884 residents and 11,132 farmers.
- Calculated relative risks based on distance to the river, adjusting for various demographic and environmental factors.
Main Results:
- Overall cancer incidence for residents and farmers was consistent with national rates.
- A statistically significant increase in basal cell carcinoma of the skin was observed in residents living within 5.0 km of the river.
- Slightly elevated risk estimates for breast, uterine cervix, gallbladder, and nervous system cancers were noted for those living less than 5.0 km from the river.
Conclusions:
- Residence near the River Kymijoki may be associated with a small increase in cancer risk, especially for farmers.
- Despite exposure assessment limitations, the possibility of a contribution to increased cancer risk cannot be excluded.
- Further research may be needed to fully understand the long-term health impacts of living near the polluted river.