The Division of Health Studies of the Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry routinely conducts standardized cancer incidence and mortality analyses of selected populations living near EPA-designated Superfund hazardous waste sites. These analyses use existing databases (e.g., cancer registries) to determine the incidence or mortality rates of cancer for the population in an area that has evidence of exposure to environmental contaminants from waste sites. These analyses are often the first step in an assessment of whether the site has an effect on the surrounding population. Causative relationship are difficult to prove and require more thorough evaluations. This presentation summarizes the findings of cancer incidence and mortality studies of populations living near 16 Superfund sites. Common contaminants found at these sites were volatile organic compounds, polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons, metals, radiologicals, polychlorinated biphenyls, benzene, vinyl chloride, and arsenic. The environmental pathways of potential exposure included air, surface water, groundwater, drinking water, biota, and soil. Evidence of excess cancer incidence and/or mortality for non–Hodgkin's lymphoma, bladder cancer, liver cancer, gastrointestinal cancers, bone cancer, and cancer of the brain and central nervous system was found in populations living near several of the 16 sites. The reported associations appear suggestive, but caution is advised in the interpretation of the results because of the limitations inherent in these type of analyses. Limitations of cancer incidence and mortality studies surrounding Superfund sites will be discussed.
Learning Objectives: At the conclusion of the session, participants will be able to: 1. Formulate at least one testable hypothesis concerning the relationship between cancer and exposure to hazardous waste sites. 2. List at least three limitations of cancer incidence and mortality studies in relation to hazardous waste sites.
Keywords: Cancer, Hazardous Waste
Presenting author's disclosure statement:
Organization/institution whose products or services will be discussed: None
Disclosure not received
Relationship: Not Received.