A comparative study of mortality in agricultural and industrial areas in Spain

The three main causes of contamination in the industrialized world are energy production, and industrial and agricultural activities. The aim of the present study was to examine changes in cause of death in order to contrast causes of death between agricultural and industrial areas. To this effect we have selected four zones--two predominantly industrial and two mainly agricultural--within the Valencian Community. Mortality figures were gathered corresponding to the same period 1976-1989, published by the Conselleria de Sanitat i Consum of the Generalitat Valenciana (Valencian Community health authorities). Thirty large groups of causes of death were established for posterior analysis. Mortality rate was defined as the number of deaths per 100,000 inhabitants, standardizing the data by the direct method. A simple regression analysis was performed for each cause of death and in each health coverage area studied, to determine the tendencies characterizing each area in time. A statistical significance test was also carried out. A statistically significant increase (95% confidence interval) was observed for digestive cancer, respiratory cancer, benign tumors and non-specific neoplastic diseases in the industrial areas. In the agricultural areas, a significant decrease (95% confidence interval) was observed in tuberculosis and respiratory diseases and infections. Relative risk (RR) was calculated and thus, tuberculosis, mental and central nervous system disorders, respiratory infections and diseases, and male genital disorders were more frequent in agricultural areas.