Lung Cancer Risk and Past Exposure to Emissions from a Large Steel Plant

Abstract

We studied the spatial distribution of cancer incidence rates around a large steel plant and its association with historical exposure. The study population was close to 600,000. The incidence data was collected for 1995–2006. From historical emission data the air pollution concentrations for polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAH) and metals were modelled. Data were analyzed using Bayesian hierarchical Poisson regression models. The standardized incidence ratio (SIR) for lung cancer was up to 40% higher than average in postcodes located in two municipalities adjacent to the industrial area. Increased incidence rates could partly be explained by differences in socioeconomic status (SES). In the highest exposure category (approximately 45,000 inhabitants) a statistically significant increased relative risk (RR) of 1.21 (1.01–1.43) was found after adjustment for SES. The elevated RRs were similar for men and women. Additional analyses in a subsample of the population with personal smoking data from a recent survey suggested that the observed association between lung cancer and plant emission, after adjustment for SES, could still be caused by residual confounding. Therefore, we cannot indisputably conclude that past emissions from the steel plant have contributed to the increased risk of lung cancer.

Residence in Proximity of an Iron Foundry and Risk of Lung Cancer in the Municipality of Trieste, Italy, 1995–2009

“…Findings from epidemiological investigations in high risk areas near iron foundries are inconsistent. Two analytical studies [ 20 , 21 ] that adjusted for smoking and a descriptive study [ 22 ] that adjusted for socioeconomic status showed that living near an iron foundry was not a risk factor for lung cancer incidence or mortality. Descriptive studies that did not adjust for smoking displayed an increased risk of lung cancer living near iron foundries [ 23 , 24 , 25 ].…”

Longitudinal relationships between lung cancer mortality rates, smoking, and ambient air quality: a comprehensive review and analysis

“…Forastiere et al (1994) found no excess lung cancer in conjunction with duration of employment as traffic police. Breugelmans et al (2013) found no increased lung cancer associated with past PAH or Cd emissions from a large steel factory. Kachuri et al (2017) reported that both male and female Canadian agricultural workers had statistically significantly lower lung cancer risks, with RRs from 0.58 to 0.75.…”

Identification of spatio-temporal clusters of lung cancer cases in Pennsylvania, USA: 2010–2017

“…One of the secondary clusters in the Mifflin County revealed the highest risk ratio of lung cancer compared to the other four clusters, associated with the lowest per capita income (median = 16.51%) and the highest percent poverty (29.3% below poverty line), and the poorest physical and mental health (17% and 19.3%, respectively). The primary economic activities in this area in the past, included the manufacturing of steel [ 23 ], machinery [ 24 ], and textiles [ 25 ], which are often accompanied by adverse environmental impacts and may have contributed to the increased risk of lung cancer. Radon, a known risk factor for lung cancer [ 26 ], is also shown to have higher levels in the Mifflin County For example, zip codes in the Mifflin County area were discovered to have high radon levels in homes in the past (e.g., the average radon concentrations were 5.2 pCi/L (first floor) and 11.2 pCi/L (basement) in 17,044, 16.7 pCi/L (first floor), and 20.4 pCi/L (basement) in 17,084).…”