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Han X, Choi KH, Lim H, Choi J, Bae S, Ha M, Kwon HJ. Cancer Incidence Among Residents Near Coal-Fired Power Plants Based on the Korean National Health Insurance System Data. J Korean Med Sci 2024; 39:e227. [PMID: 39106890 PMCID: PMC11301007 DOI: 10.3346/jkms.2024.39.e227] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/27/2024] [Accepted: 06/12/2024] [Indexed: 08/09/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Cancer is a leading cause of death worldwide, posing a significant threat to human health and life expectancy. Numerous existing studies explored the correlation between coal-fired power plants and cancer development. Currently, Chungcheongnam-do Province hosts 29 coal-fired power plants, constituting half of the total 58 plants across South Korea. METHODS This study assessed the cancer incidence by proximity to coal-fired power plants in Chungcheongnam-do Province, Korea. In this study, the exposed group comprised individuals residing within a 2-km radius of the coal-fired power plants, whereas the control group comprised individuals who had no prior residency within the 2-km radius of such plants or elsewhere in the province. Standardized incidence ratios were calculated using the cancer incidence cases retrieved from the National Health Insurance System data from 2007 to 2017. RESULTS The study found that exposed men had a 1.11 (95% confidence interval [CI], 1.09-1.21) times higher risk of developing all cancer types and a 1.15 (95% CI, 1.09-1.22) times higher risk of developing cancers excluding thyroid cancer compared with control men. Exposed women had a 1.05 (95% CI, 1.00-1.14) times higher risk of developing all cancer types and a 1.06 (95% CI, 0.98-1.13) times higher risk of developing cancers excluding thyroid cancer than did control women. The colorectal, liver, prostate, and bladder cancer incidence rates were significantly higher in exposed men than that in all control groups. The incidence of esophageal, stomach, liver, and lung cancers were significantly higher in exposed women compared with all control groups. CONCLUSION The residents near coal-fired power plants had a higher risk of developing cancer than did those living in other areas. In the future, long-term follow-up investigations in residents living in the vicinity of power plants are warranted.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xue Han
- Department of Preventive Medicine, Dankook University College of Medicine, Cheonan, Korea
- Research Institute of Healthcare Bigdata, College of Medicine, Dankook University, Cheonan, Korea
| | - Kyung-Hwa Choi
- Department of Preventive Medicine, Dankook University College of Medicine, Cheonan, Korea
- Research Institute of Healthcare Bigdata, College of Medicine, Dankook University, Cheonan, Korea
| | - Hyungryul Lim
- Department of Preventive Medicine and Public Health, Ajou University School of Medicine, Suwon, Korea
| | - Jonghyuk Choi
- Department of Preventive Medicine, Dankook University College of Medicine, Cheonan, Korea
- Research Institute of Healthcare Bigdata, College of Medicine, Dankook University, Cheonan, Korea
| | - Sanghyuk Bae
- Department of Preventive Medicine, College of Medicine, The Catholic University of Korea, Seoul, Korea
| | - Mina Ha
- Department of Preventive Medicine, Dankook University College of Medicine, Cheonan, Korea
- Research Institute of Healthcare Bigdata, College of Medicine, Dankook University, Cheonan, Korea
| | - Ho-Jang Kwon
- Department of Preventive Medicine, Dankook University College of Medicine, Cheonan, Korea
- Research Institute of Healthcare Bigdata, College of Medicine, Dankook University, Cheonan, Korea.
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Njale E, Mahugija JAM, Shilla DJ, Dharsee N, Mbare NS. Association between exposure to heavy metals and the risk of breast cancer: A case-control study in Tanzania. ENVIRONMENTAL TOXICOLOGY AND PHARMACOLOGY 2024; 110:104498. [PMID: 39025422 DOI: 10.1016/j.etap.2024.104498] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/19/2024] [Revised: 06/26/2024] [Accepted: 06/28/2024] [Indexed: 07/20/2024]
Abstract
Exposure to heavy metals is suspected to influence breast cancer development, although epidemiological evidence regarding this association remains controversial. This study investigated the association between urinary heavy metal levels and breast cancer risk through a hospital-based case-control design, involving 50 breast cancer patients and 40 healthy females. Heavy metals were quantified using an inductively coupled plasma atomic emission spectrophotometer (ICP-AES). The exposure levels were categorized into quartiles, and logistic regression was employed to evaluate the breast cancer risk associated with heavy metal exposure. The results revealed positive associations between risk of breast cancer and concentrations of Al, As, Ni, Cd, and Pb. In addition, the risk of breast cancer was high among participants in the 2nd, 3rd, and 4th quartiles of Al, As, Ni, Cd, and Pb. However, Co showed an inverse association with breast cancer. These results indicate that increased concentrations of heavy metals, with the exception of Co, are associated with the risk of breast cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emmanuel Njale
- Department of Chemistry, Mwalimu Julius K. Nyerere University of Agriculture and Technology, P.O. Box 976, Musoma, Tanzania.
| | - John A M Mahugija
- Department of Chemistry, University of Dar es Salaam, P.O. Box 35061, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania
| | - Dativa J Shilla
- Department of Chemistry, Dar es Salaam University College of Education, P.O. Box 2329, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania
| | - Nazima Dharsee
- Ocean Road Cancer Institute, P.O.Box 3592, Dar Es Salaam, Tanzania
| | - Nyimvua S Mbare
- Department of Mathematics, University of Dar es Salaam, P.O. Box 35062, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania
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Eom SY, Lee B, Hong S, Hong YS, Choi KH, Kwon HJ, Yoon M, Kang YS, Lee JH, Kim YD, Kim H. Exposure to Hazardous Substances and Their Health Effects Among Residents Living Near Three Industrial Waste Incinerators in Korea. J Korean Med Sci 2023; 38:e289. [PMID: 37724494 PMCID: PMC10506904 DOI: 10.3346/jkms.2023.38.e289] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/13/2023] [Accepted: 05/22/2023] [Indexed: 09/20/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND This study aimed to evaluate exposure to various hazardous substances emitted by incineration facilities and their likely effect on the health for residents of Bugi-myeon, Cheongju, Korea, which has three incineration facilities. METHODS Heavy metals, polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), and dioxin concentrations in the air and soil of exposed and control areas were measured. Moreover, the exposure levels to harmful substances and its effects on health were investigated in 1,124 exposed and 232 control adults. RESULTS PAHs and dioxin concentrations in the air in the exposed area were significantly higher than in the control area. Urinary cadmium and PAHs metabolite concentrations were significantly higher in the exposed group than in the control group. The exposure group also had a higher prevalence of depression and self-reported allergic symptoms than the control group. CONCLUSION The possibility of residents in Bugi-myeon being exposed to hazardous substances at incineration facilities cannot be ruled out. To prevent them from further exposure to hazardous substances, it is necessary to prohibit the expansion of additional incineration facilities in this area and to implement continuous monitoring projects for residents.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sang-Yong Eom
- Department of Preventive Medicine, College of Medicine, Chungbuk National University, Cheongju, Korea
- Chungbuk Environmental Health Center, Chungbuk University Hospital, Cheongju, Korea
| | - Boeun Lee
- Environmental Health Research Division, Environmental Health Research Department, National Institute of Environmental Research, Incheon, Korea
| | - Seonmi Hong
- Department of Preventive Medicine, College of Medicine, Chungbuk National University, Cheongju, Korea
| | - Young-Seoub Hong
- Department of Preventive Medicine, College of Medicine, Dong-A University, Busan, Korea
| | - Kyung-Hwa Choi
- Department of Preventive Medicine, Dankook University College of Medicine, Cheonan, Korea
| | - Ho-Jang Kwon
- Department of Preventive Medicine, Dankook University College of Medicine, Cheonan, Korea
| | - Mira Yoon
- Environmental Health Research Division, Environmental Health Research Department, National Institute of Environmental Research, Incheon, Korea
| | - Youn-Seok Kang
- Environment Division, Eurofins Korea Co. Ltd., Gunpo, Korea
| | - Jun Hee Lee
- Environment Division, Eurofins Korea Co. Ltd., Gunpo, Korea
| | - Yong-Dae Kim
- Department of Preventive Medicine, College of Medicine, Chungbuk National University, Cheongju, Korea
- Chungbuk Environmental Health Center, Chungbuk University Hospital, Cheongju, Korea
- Chungbuk Regional Cancer Center, Chungbuk National University Hospital, Cheongju, Korea.
| | - Heon Kim
- Department of Preventive Medicine, College of Medicine, Chungbuk National University, Cheongju, Korea
- Chungbuk Environmental Health Center, Chungbuk University Hospital, Cheongju, Korea.
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Zikhathile T, Atagana H, Bwapwa J, Sawtell D. A Review of the Impact That Healthcare Risk Waste Treatment Technologies Have on the Environment. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2022; 19:11967. [PMID: 36231269 PMCID: PMC9565833 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph191911967] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/28/2022] [Revised: 09/15/2022] [Accepted: 09/16/2022] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
Health-Care Risk Waste (HCRW) treatment protects the environment and lives. HCRW is waste from patient diagnostics, immunization, surgery, and therapy. HCRW must be treated before disposal since it pollutes, spreads illnesses, and causes harm. However, waste treatment increases the healthcare sector's carbon footprint, making the healthcare sector a major contributor to anthropogenic climate change. This is because treating HCRW pollutes the environment and requires a lot of energy. Treating HCRW is crucial, but its risks are not well-studied. Unintentionally, treating HCRW leads to climate change. Due to frequent climate-related disasters, present climate-change mitigation strategies are insufficient. All sectors, including healthcare, must act to mitigate and prevent future harms. Healthcare can reduce its carbon footprint to help the environment. All contributing elements must be investigated because healthcare facilities contribute to climate change. We start by evaluating the environmental impact of different HCRW treatment technologies and suggesting strategies to make treatments more sustainable, cost-effective, and reliable to lower the carbon footprint.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thobile Zikhathile
- Faculty of Natural Sciences, Mangosuthu University of Technology, 511 Griffiths Mxenge Highway, Umlazi, Durban 4031, South Africa
| | - Harrison Atagana
- Institute for Nanotechnology and Water Sustainability, University of South Africa, Pretoria 0003, South Africa
| | - Joseph Bwapwa
- Faculty of Engineering, Mangosuthu University of Technology, 511 Griffiths Mxenge Highway, Umlazi, Durban 4031, South Africa
| | - David Sawtell
- Department of Engineering, Manchester Metropolitan University, John Dalton Building, Chester Street, Manchester M1 5GD, UK
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Eom SY, Kim YD, Kim H. Particulate Matter Exposure after a Cancer Diagnosis and All-Cause Mortality in a Regional Cancer Registry-Based Cohort in South Korea. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2022; 19:9875. [PMID: 36011507 PMCID: PMC9408397 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph19169875] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/06/2022] [Revised: 08/03/2022] [Accepted: 08/08/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
Although particulate matter (PM) is a Group 1 carcinogen, few studies have evaluated the effect of PM exposure after a cancer diagnosis on survival. Herein, we evaluated the effect of exposure to ambient PM10 after a cancer diagnosis on survival using data from the Regional Cancer Registry cohort in Chungbuk Province, Korea. A total of 44,432 patients with cancer who survived for >1 year after being diagnosed between 2005 and 2018 were followed until 31 December 2019; there were 32,734 survivors (73.7%) and 11,698 deceased (26.3%). The average follow-up period was 67.7 months, and the cumulative average concentration of PM10 exposure of patients with cancer after a diagnosis was 49.0 µg/m3. When PM10 concentration increased by 1 standard deviation (5.2 µg/m3), the all-cause mortality risk increased 2.06-fold (95% CI: 2.02−2.11). This trend was most pronounced in the younger patient group and in patients with local-stage cancer. This study demonstrates that exposure to PM10 after cancer diagnosis might influence the survival of patients with cancer, requiring environmental preventive measures such as lower pollutant exposure.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sang-Yong Eom
- Department of Preventive Medicine, College of Medicine, Chungbuk National University, Cheongju 28644, Korea
- Chungbuk Environmental Health Center, Chungbuk National University Hospital, Cheongju 28644, Korea
| | - Yong-Dae Kim
- Department of Preventive Medicine, College of Medicine, Chungbuk National University, Cheongju 28644, Korea
- Chungbuk Environmental Health Center, Chungbuk National University Hospital, Cheongju 28644, Korea
- Chungbuk Regional Cancer Center, Chungbuk National University Hospital, Cheongju 28644, Korea
| | - Heon Kim
- Department of Preventive Medicine, College of Medicine, Chungbuk National University, Cheongju 28644, Korea
- Chungbuk Environmental Health Center, Chungbuk National University Hospital, Cheongju 28644, Korea
- Chungbuk Regional Cancer Center, Chungbuk National University Hospital, Cheongju 28644, Korea
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