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Manganese pollution in eastern India causing cancer risk
Arun Kumar1, Rajiv Kumar2, Govind Kumar3
1Mahavir Cancer Sansthan and Research Centre, Patna, Bihar, 801505, India. drarunk31@gmail.com.
Manganese (Mn) in drinking water is linked to cancer in India. This study found high Mn levels in cancer patients' blood and handpump water, suggesting a significant association. Further research is needed to confirm causality.
Area of Science:
- Environmental Science
- Toxicology
- Oncology
Background:
- Heavy metal contamination in groundwater poses global health risks.
- Manganese (Mn) poisoning effects on human health are underreported.
- Cancer incidence is a growing concern in the Gangetic plains of Bihar, India.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the potential link between manganese contamination and cancer in Bihar, India.
- To analyze manganese levels in cancer patients' blood and drinking water.
- To establish a correlation between manganese exposure and cancer development.
Main Methods:
- Blood and household water samples from 1146 cancer patients were collected with consent.
- Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometry was used to analyze manganese contamination.
- Correlation coefficient and geospatial studies were performed to assess associations.
Main Results:
- Elevated manganese levels were detected in both cancer patients' blood (up to 6022 µg/L) and their handpump water.
- A significant positive correlation was found between blood manganese and handpump water manganese.
- Carcinoma patients in advanced stages (III & IV) showed significant blood manganese contamination above permissible limits.
Conclusions:
- This study provides the first evidence in India correlating manganese in drinking water with cancer.
- Long-term manganese exposure from handpump water may be a contributing factor to increased cancer incidence.
- While a link is suggested, other confounding risk factors for cancer cannot be excluded.
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