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Boz S, Kwiatkowski M, Zwahlen M, Bochud M, Bulliard JL, Konzelmann I, Bergeron Y, Rapiti E, Maspoli Conconi M, Bordoni A, Röösli M, Vienneau D. A cohort analysis of residential radon exposure and melanoma incidence in Switzerland. ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH 2024; 243:117822. [PMID: 38048864 DOI: 10.1016/j.envres.2023.117822] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/07/2023] [Revised: 10/18/2023] [Accepted: 11/28/2023] [Indexed: 12/06/2023]
Abstract
Radon is a radioactive noble gas found in Earth's crust. It accumulates in buildings, and accounts for approximately half the ionizing radiation dose received by humans. The skin is considerably exposed to ionizing radiation from radon. We aimed to evaluate the association between residential radon exposure and melanoma and squamous cell carcinoma incidence. The study included 1.3 million adults (20 years and older) from the Swiss National Cohort who were residents of the cantons of Vaud, Neuchâtel, Valais, Geneva, Fribourg, and Ticino at the study baseline (December 04, 2000). Cases of primary tumours of skin (melanoma and squamous cell carcinoma) were identified using data from cantonal cancer registries. Long-term residential radon and ambient solar ultraviolet radiation exposures were assigned to each individual's address at baseline. Cox proportional hazard models with age as time scale, adjusted for canton, socioeconomic position, demographic data available in the census, and outdoor occupation were applied. Total and age specific effects were calculated, in the full population and in non-movers, and potential effect modifiers were tested. In total 4937 incident cases of melanoma occurred during an average 8.9 years of follow-up. Across all ages, no increased risk of malignant melanoma or squamous cell carcinoma incidence in relation to residential radon was found. An association was only observed for melanoma incidence in the youngest age group of 20-29 year olds (1.68 [95% CI: 1.29, 2.19] 100 Bq/m3 radon). This association was mainly in women, and in those with low socio-economic position. Residential radon exposure might be a relevant risk factor for melanoma, especially for young adults. However, the results must be interpreted with caution as this finding is based on a relatively small number of melanoma cases. Accumulation of radon is preventable, and measures to reduce exposure and communicate the risks remain important to convey to the public.
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Affiliation(s)
- Seçkin Boz
- Department of Epidemiology and Public Health, Swiss Tropical and Public Health Institute, Allschwil, Switzerland; University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Marek Kwiatkowski
- Department of Epidemiology and Public Health, Swiss Tropical and Public Health Institute, Allschwil, Switzerland; University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Marcel Zwahlen
- Institute of Social and Preventive Medicine, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
| | - Murielle Bochud
- Centre for Primary Care and Public Health (Unisanté), University of Lausanne, Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Jean-Luc Bulliard
- Centre for Primary Care and Public Health (Unisanté), University of Lausanne, Lausanne, Switzerland; Neuchâtel Cancer Registry, Neuchâtel, Switzerland
| | | | | | | | | | - Andrea Bordoni
- Ticino Cancer Registry, Institute of Pathology South of Switzerland, Locarno, Switzerland
| | - Martin Röösli
- Department of Epidemiology and Public Health, Swiss Tropical and Public Health Institute, Allschwil, Switzerland; University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Danielle Vienneau
- Department of Epidemiology and Public Health, Swiss Tropical and Public Health Institute, Allschwil, Switzerland; University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland.
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Lee YJ, Loh WQ, Dang TK, Teng CWC, Pan WC, Wu CD, Chia SE, Seow WJ. Determinants of residential greenness and its association with prostate cancer risk: A case-control study in Singapore. ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH 2023; 237:116903. [PMID: 37598842 DOI: 10.1016/j.envres.2023.116903] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/17/2023] [Revised: 07/31/2023] [Accepted: 08/15/2023] [Indexed: 08/22/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Exposure to greenness has been shown to be beneficial to health, but few studies have examined the association between residential greenness and prostate cancer (PCa) risk. Our main objectives were to identify the determinants of residential greenness, and to investigate if residential greenness was associated with PCa risk in Singapore. METHODS The hospital-based case-control study was conducted between April 2007 and May 2009. The Singapore Prostate Cancer Study (SPCS) comprised 240 prostate cancer cases and 268 controls, whose demographics and residential address were collected using questionnaires. Residential greenness was measured by normalized difference vegetation index (NDVI) around the participants' homes using a buffer size of 1 km. Determinants of NDVI were identified using a multivariable linear regression model. Logistic regression models were used to calculate the odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) of associations between NDVI and PCa risk, adjusting for potential confounders. RESULTS Having a BMI within the second quartile, as compared to the lowest quartile, was associated with higher levels of NDVI (β-coefficient = 0.263; 95% CI = 0.040-0.485) after adjusting for covariates. Additionally, being widowed or separated, as compared to being married, was associated with lower levels of NDVI (β-coefficient = -0.393; 95% CI = -0.723, -0.063). An interquartile range (IQR) increase in NDVI was positively associated with prostate cancer risk OR = 1.45; 95% CI = 1.02-2.07). Stratified analysis by tumour grade and stage showed that higher NDVI was associated with higher risk of low grade PCa. CONCLUSION Our findings suggested that residential greenness was associated with higher risk of PCa in Singapore. Future studies on the quality and type of green spaces, as well as other factors of residential greenness, in association with PCa risk should be conducted to better understand this relationship.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yueh Jia Lee
- Saw Swee Hock School of Public Health, National University of Singapore and National University Health System, 12 Science Drive 2, #10-01, Singapore, 117549
| | - Wei Qi Loh
- Saw Swee Hock School of Public Health, National University of Singapore and National University Health System, 12 Science Drive 2, #10-01, Singapore, 117549
| | - Trung Kien Dang
- Saw Swee Hock School of Public Health, National University of Singapore and National University Health System, 12 Science Drive 2, #10-01, Singapore, 117549
| | - Cecilia Woon Chien Teng
- Saw Swee Hock School of Public Health, National University of Singapore and National University Health System, 12 Science Drive 2, #10-01, Singapore, 117549
| | - Wen-Chi Pan
- Institute of Environmental and Occupational Health Sciences, School of Medicine, National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Chih-Da Wu
- Department of Geomatics, National Cheng Kung University, Tainan, Taiwan; National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, National Health Research Institutes, Miaoli, Taiwan; Innovation and Development Center of Sustainable Agriculture, National Chung-Hsing University, Tainan, Taiwan
| | - Sin Eng Chia
- Saw Swee Hock School of Public Health, National University of Singapore and National University Health System, 12 Science Drive 2, #10-01, Singapore, 117549; Department of Medicine, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore and National University Health System, 10 Medical Dr, Singapore, 117597
| | - Wei Jie Seow
- Saw Swee Hock School of Public Health, National University of Singapore and National University Health System, 12 Science Drive 2, #10-01, Singapore, 117549; Department of Medicine, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore and National University Health System, 10 Medical Dr, Singapore, 117597.
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Martinelli S, Medeiros AN, de Souza RF, Marconi AM, Navoni JA. Analysis of the cancer occurrence related to natural radioactivity in the Rio Grande do Norte State, Brazil. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLLUTION RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2023; 30:89140-89152. [PMID: 37442937 DOI: 10.1007/s11356-023-28708-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/09/2023] [Accepted: 07/05/2023] [Indexed: 07/15/2023]
Abstract
The state of Rio Grande do Norte, located in the Northeast region of Brazil, has areas of granites and pegmatites with minerals that have varying concentrations of uranium. Consequently, high concentrations of radon gas, a carcinogenic substance for humans, can occur. The present study aimed to assess the occurrence of cancer and its association with exposure to sources of natural radioactivity using geological and geophysical information in the aforementioned state. The spatial dependence of pulmonary, breast, stomach, leukemia, and skin cancer cases with the location of radioisotope sources were analyzed using geoprocessing tools. The geoprocessing analysis showed a differential pattern of uranium emission throughout the state, with the highest emission from areas with pegmatites outcrops. A spatial dependency of cancer cases was shown (Moran index: 0.43; p < 0.01). Moreover, a higher rate of natural radioactivity-cancer cases was associated with the high-intensity natural radioactivity areas: odds ratio:1.21 (95% CI 1.20; 1.23), following the same pattern when separately compared the different related types of cancer. These results highlight the importance of natural radioactivity as a public health problem in the Brazilian environmental scenario, confirming the need for further studies as the first toward understanding and implementing health management strategies mitigating the exposures, especially in areas of environmental risk.
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Affiliation(s)
- Simone Martinelli
- Development and Environment, Biosciences Center, Federal University of Rio Grande Do Norte, Natal, RN, Brazil
| | - Amanda Nogueira Medeiros
- Development and Environment, Biosciences Center, Federal University of Rio Grande Do Norte, Natal, RN, Brazil
| | - Raquel Franco de Souza
- Development and Environment, Biosciences Center, Federal University of Rio Grande Do Norte, Natal, RN, Brazil
- Center for Exact and Earth Sciences - Department of Geology, Laboratory of Geochemistry, Federal University of Rio Grande Do Norte, Natal, RN, Brazil
| | | | - Julio Alejandro Navoni
- Development and Environment, Biosciences Center, Federal University of Rio Grande Do Norte, Avenida Sen. Salgado Filho, No. 3000, Lagoa Nova, Natal, RN, 59078-970, Brazil.
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Cani M, Turco F, Butticè S, Vogl UM, Buttigliero C, Novello S, Capelletto E. How Does Environmental and Occupational Exposure Contribute to Carcinogenesis in Genitourinary and Lung Cancers? Cancers (Basel) 2023; 15:2836. [PMID: 37345174 PMCID: PMC10216822 DOI: 10.3390/cancers15102836] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/26/2023] [Revised: 05/15/2023] [Accepted: 05/18/2023] [Indexed: 06/23/2023] Open
Abstract
Environmental and occupational exposures have been associated with an increased risk of different types of cancers, although the exact mechanisms of higher carcinogenesis risk are not always well understood. Lung cancer is the leading cause of global cancer mortality, and, also, genitourinary neoplasms are among the main causes of cancer-related deaths in Western countries. The purpose of this review is to describe the main environmental and occupational factors that increase the risk of developing lung and genitourinary cancers and to investigate carcinogenesis mechanisms that link these agents to cancer onset. Further objectives are to identify methods for the prevention or the early detection of carcinogenic agents and, therefore, to reduce the risk of developing these cancers or to detect them at earlier stages.
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Affiliation(s)
- Massimiliano Cani
- Oncology Unit, Department of Oncology, University of Turin, S. Luigi Gonzaga Hospital, 10043 Orbassano, Italy; (M.C.); (F.T.); (C.B.); (E.C.)
| | - Fabio Turco
- Oncology Unit, Department of Oncology, University of Turin, S. Luigi Gonzaga Hospital, 10043 Orbassano, Italy; (M.C.); (F.T.); (C.B.); (E.C.)
- Oncology Institute of Southern Switzerland (IOSI), Ente Ospedaliero Cantonale (EOC), 6500 Bellinzona, Switzerland
| | - Simona Butticè
- Oncology Unit, Department of Oncology, University of Turin, S. Luigi Gonzaga Hospital, 10043 Orbassano, Italy; (M.C.); (F.T.); (C.B.); (E.C.)
| | - Ursula Maria Vogl
- Oncology Institute of Southern Switzerland (IOSI), Ente Ospedaliero Cantonale (EOC), 6500 Bellinzona, Switzerland
| | - Consuelo Buttigliero
- Oncology Unit, Department of Oncology, University of Turin, S. Luigi Gonzaga Hospital, 10043 Orbassano, Italy; (M.C.); (F.T.); (C.B.); (E.C.)
| | - Silvia Novello
- Oncology Unit, Department of Oncology, University of Turin, S. Luigi Gonzaga Hospital, 10043 Orbassano, Italy; (M.C.); (F.T.); (C.B.); (E.C.)
| | - Enrica Capelletto
- Oncology Unit, Department of Oncology, University of Turin, S. Luigi Gonzaga Hospital, 10043 Orbassano, Italy; (M.C.); (F.T.); (C.B.); (E.C.)
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Ortueta Milán M, Araújo Dos Santos Júnior J, Valcárcel Rojas LA, Dos Santos Amaral R, G de Farias EE, Dias Bezerra J, Marques do Nascimento Santos J, Herrero Fernández Z, Brayner Cavalcanti Freire M. Radiological risk associated with 222Rn occurrence in groundwater sources of rural communities in the semiarid region of Paraíba, Brazil. ENVIRONMENTAL MONITORING AND ASSESSMENT 2022; 195:149. [PMID: 36434308 DOI: 10.1007/s10661-022-10759-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/01/2022] [Accepted: 11/12/2022] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
Rural and isolated communities traditionally lack adequate water treatment and distribution systems, and water quality assessment often does not include radioactivity measurement. Here we present, for the first time, the results of Rn measurements and the evaluation of the associated dose in groundwaters of rural communities in a semiarid area in Paraiba State, Brazil. Water samples were analysed using a low-level liquid scintillation spectrometer (LSS). Radon concentrations were higher than EPA and WHO recommended levels in water for most of the wells (range of 5.5-1107.0 Bq/L, average 252.8 Bq/L). Higher Rn concentration was measured in deeper wells and located in area rich in granite and diorite rocks. The annual effective doses varied between 0.021 and 4.317 mSv/y for infants, 0.016-3.182 mSv/y for children, and 0.015-3.022 mSv/y for adults, exceeding, in some cases, the 1 mSv/y reference level recommended by the WHO and UNSCEAR for the public. Thus, water consumption from half of the wells should be avoided unless adequate treatment is provided. Results highlight the need to perform actions to supply water with appropriate quality to the local population.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marvic Ortueta Milán
- Grupo de Radioecologia, Departamento de Energia Nuclear, Centro de Tecnologia e Geociências, Universidade Federal de Pernambuco (UFPE), Avenida Professor Luiz Freire, 1000, Cidade Universitária, Recife, PE, 50740-545, Brazil.
| | - José Araújo Dos Santos Júnior
- Grupo de Radioecologia, Departamento de Energia Nuclear, Centro de Tecnologia e Geociências, Universidade Federal de Pernambuco (UFPE), Avenida Professor Luiz Freire, 1000, Cidade Universitária, Recife, PE, 50740-545, Brazil
| | - Lino Angel Valcárcel Rojas
- OrganoMAR, Departamento de Oceanografia, Centro de Tecnologia e Geociências, Universidade Federal de Pernambuco (UFPE), Av. Arquitetura, S/N - Cidade Universitaria, Recife, PE, 50740-550, Brazil
| | - Romilton Dos Santos Amaral
- Grupo de Radioecologia, Departamento de Energia Nuclear, Centro de Tecnologia e Geociências, Universidade Federal de Pernambuco (UFPE), Avenida Professor Luiz Freire, 1000, Cidade Universitária, Recife, PE, 50740-545, Brazil
| | - Emerson Emiliano G de Farias
- Centro Regional de Ciências Nucleares do Nordeste (CRCN-NE/CNEN - PE), Avenida Professor Luiz Freire, 200, Cidade Universitária, Recife, PE, 50740-545, Brazil
| | - Jairo Dias Bezerra
- Grupo de Radioecologia, Departamento de Energia Nuclear, Centro de Tecnologia e Geociências, Universidade Federal de Pernambuco (UFPE), Avenida Professor Luiz Freire, 1000, Cidade Universitária, Recife, PE, 50740-545, Brazil
| | - Josineide Marques do Nascimento Santos
- Grupo de Radioecologia, Departamento de Energia Nuclear, Centro de Tecnologia e Geociências, Universidade Federal de Pernambuco (UFPE), Avenida Professor Luiz Freire, 1000, Cidade Universitária, Recife, PE, 50740-545, Brazil
| | - Zahily Herrero Fernández
- Grupo de Radioecologia, Departamento de Energia Nuclear, Centro de Tecnologia e Geociências, Universidade Federal de Pernambuco (UFPE), Avenida Professor Luiz Freire, 1000, Cidade Universitária, Recife, PE, 50740-545, Brazil
- Centro Acadêmico do Agreste. Núcleo de Tecnologia, Universidade Federal de Pernambuco (UFPE), Avenida Marielle Franco, S/N, Km 59, Pernambuco, 55014-900, Caruaru, Brazil
| | - Mariana Brayner Cavalcanti Freire
- Grupo de Radioecologia, Departamento de Energia Nuclear, Centro de Tecnologia e Geociências, Universidade Federal de Pernambuco (UFPE), Avenida Professor Luiz Freire, 1000, Cidade Universitária, Recife, PE, 50740-545, Brazil
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Boz S, Berlin C, Kwiatkowski M, Bochud M, Bulliard JL, Zwahlen M, Röösli M, Vienneau D. A prospective cohort analysis of residential radon and UV exposures and malignant melanoma mortality in the Swiss population. ENVIRONMENT INTERNATIONAL 2022; 169:107437. [PMID: 36152363 DOI: 10.1016/j.envint.2022.107437] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/04/2022] [Revised: 05/31/2022] [Accepted: 07/25/2022] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Radon is a radioactive noble gas naturally found in the earth crust that can accumulate in buildings. In addition to lung cancer, alpha particles emitted by radon may contribute to the risk of skin cancer. We evaluated the association between residential radon exposure and skin cancer mortality, over a fifteen year period, taking residential ultra-violet (UV) exposure into account. METHODS We included 4.9 million adults from the Swiss National Cohort. Hazard ratios for melanoma mortality were estimated using Cox proportional hazard models (20+ years old; follow-up 2001-2015). Long-term modelled residential radon and ambient UV exposures were assigned at baseline, and included together in the Cox models. With age as a time scale, models were adjusted for calendar time, sex, marital status, education, mother tongue, socioeconomic position, and occupational environment with potential for UV exposure. Age specific hazard ratios were derived. Effect modification, sensitivity analyses and the shape of the exposure response, as well as secondary analysis using other outcome definitions, were investigated. RESULTS During follow-up (average of 13.6 years), 3,979 melanoma deaths were observed. Associations declined with age, with an adjusted hazard ratio per 100 Bq/m3 radon at age 60 of 1.10 (95% CI: 0.99, 1.23). The dose-response showed an approximate linear trend between the minimum and mean radon exposure of 75 Bq/m3. Having outdoor occupation significantly increased the risk of melanoma mortality associated with UV exposure compared to indoor jobs. Analysis restricted to the last five years of follow-up showed similar results compared to the main analysis. Similar associations were found for mortality from melanoma and non-melanoma skin cancer combined. CONCLUSION With double the follow-up time, this study confirmed the previously observed association between residential radon exposure and melanoma and non-melanoma skin cancer mortality in Switzerland. Accumulation of radon indoors is preventable and of public health importance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Seçkin Boz
- Department of Epidemiology and Public Health, Swiss Tropical and Public Health Institute, Allschwil, Switzerland; University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Claudia Berlin
- Institute of Social and Preventive Medicine, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
| | - Marek Kwiatkowski
- Department of Epidemiology and Public Health, Swiss Tropical and Public Health Institute, Allschwil, Switzerland; University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Murielle Bochud
- Centre for Primary Care and Public Health (Unisanté), University of Lausanne, Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Jean-Luc Bulliard
- Centre for Primary Care and Public Health (Unisanté), University of Lausanne, Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Marcel Zwahlen
- Institute of Social and Preventive Medicine, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
| | - Martin Röösli
- Department of Epidemiology and Public Health, Swiss Tropical and Public Health Institute, Allschwil, Switzerland; University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Danielle Vienneau
- Department of Epidemiology and Public Health, Swiss Tropical and Public Health Institute, Allschwil, Switzerland; University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland.
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Mozzoni P, Pinelli S, Corradi M, Ranzieri S, Cavallo D, Poli D. Environmental/Occupational Exposure to Radon and Non-Pulmonary Neoplasm Risk: A Review of Epidemiologic Evidence. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2021; 18:10466. [PMID: 34639764 PMCID: PMC8508162 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph181910466] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/07/2021] [Revised: 09/29/2021] [Accepted: 09/29/2021] [Indexed: 12/01/2022]
Abstract
Although Radon (Rn) is a known agent for lung cancer, the link between Rn exposure and other non-pulmonary neoplasms remains unclear. The aim of this review is to investigate the role of Rn in the development of tumors other than lung cancer in both occupational and environmental exposure. Particularly, our attention has been focused on leukemia and tumors related to brain and central nervous system (CNS), skin, stomach, kidney, and breast. The epidemiologic literature has been systematically reviewed focusing on workers, general population, and pediatric population. A weak increase in leukemia risk due to Rn exposure was found, but bias and confounding factors cannot be ruled out. The results of studies conducted on stomach cancer are mixed, although with some prevalence for a positive association with Rn exposure. In the case of brain and CNS cancer and skin cancer, results are inconclusive, while no association was found for breast and kidney cancers. Overall, the available evidence does not support a conclusion that a causal association has been established between Rn exposure and the risk of other non-pulmonary neoplasms mainly due to the limited number and heterogeneity of existing studies. To confirm this result, a statistical analysis should be necessary, even if it is now not applicable for the few studies available.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paola Mozzoni
- Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Parma, 43126 Parma, Italy; (P.M.); (S.P.); (M.C.); (S.R.)
- Centre for Research in Toxicology (CERT), University of Parma, Via A. Gramsci 14, 43126 Parma, Italy
| | - Silvana Pinelli
- Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Parma, 43126 Parma, Italy; (P.M.); (S.P.); (M.C.); (S.R.)
| | - Massimo Corradi
- Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Parma, 43126 Parma, Italy; (P.M.); (S.P.); (M.C.); (S.R.)
- Centre for Research in Toxicology (CERT), University of Parma, Via A. Gramsci 14, 43126 Parma, Italy
| | - Silvia Ranzieri
- Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Parma, 43126 Parma, Italy; (P.M.); (S.P.); (M.C.); (S.R.)
| | - Delia Cavallo
- INAIL Research, Department of Occupational and Environmental Medicine, Epidemiology and Hygiene, Via Fontana Candida 1, 00078 Monte Porzio Catone, Italy;
| | - Diana Poli
- INAIL Research, Department of Occupational and Environmental Medicine, Epidemiology and Hygiene, Via Fontana Candida 1, 00078 Monte Porzio Catone, Italy;
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Vienneau D, Boz S, Forlin L, Flückiger B, de Hoogh K, Berlin C, Bochud M, Bulliard JL, Zwahlen M, Röösli M. Residential radon - Comparative analysis of exposure models in Switzerland. ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION (BARKING, ESSEX : 1987) 2021; 271:116356. [PMID: 33387778 DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2020.116356] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/13/2020] [Revised: 12/15/2020] [Accepted: 12/16/2020] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
Residential radon exposure is a major public health issue in Switzerland due to the known association between inhaled radon progeny and lung cancer. To confirm recent findings of an association with skin cancer mortality, an updated national radon model is needed. The aim of this study was to derive the best possible residential radon prediction model for subsequent epidemiological analyses. Two different radon prediction models were developed (linear regression model vs. random forest) using ca. 80,000 measurements in the Swiss Radon Database (1994-2017). A range of geographic predictors and building specific predictors were considered in the 3-D models (x,y, floor of dwelling). A five-fold modelling strategy was used to evaluate the robustness of each approach, with models developed (80% measurement locations) and validated (20%) using standard diagnostics. Random forest consistently outperformed the linear regression model, with higher Spearman's rank correlation (51% vs. 36%), validation coefficient of determination (R2 31% vs. 15%), lower root mean square error (RMSE) and lower fractional bias. Applied to the population of 5.4 million adults in 2000, the random forest resulted in an arithmetic mean (standard deviation) of 75.5 (31.7) Bq/m3, and indicated a respective 16.1% and 0.1% adults with predicted radon concentrations exceeding the World Health Organization (100 Bq/m3) and Swiss (300 Bq/m3) reference values.
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Affiliation(s)
- Danielle Vienneau
- Swiss Tropical and Public Health Institute, Basel, Switzerland; University of Basel, Switzerland.
| | - Seçkin Boz
- Swiss Tropical and Public Health Institute, Basel, Switzerland; University of Basel, Switzerland
| | - Lukas Forlin
- Swiss Tropical and Public Health Institute, Basel, Switzerland; University of Basel, Switzerland
| | - Benjamin Flückiger
- Swiss Tropical and Public Health Institute, Basel, Switzerland; University of Basel, Switzerland
| | - Kees de Hoogh
- Swiss Tropical and Public Health Institute, Basel, Switzerland; University of Basel, Switzerland
| | - Claudia Berlin
- Institute of Social and Preventive Medicine, Bern, Switzerland
| | - Murielle Bochud
- Centre for Primary Care and Public Health (Unisanté), University of Lausanne, Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Jean-Luc Bulliard
- Centre for Primary Care and Public Health (Unisanté), University of Lausanne, Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Marcel Zwahlen
- Institute of Social and Preventive Medicine, Bern, Switzerland
| | - Martin Röösli
- Swiss Tropical and Public Health Institute, Basel, Switzerland; University of Basel, Switzerland
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Giraldo-Osorio A, Ruano-Ravina A, Pérez-Ríos M, Varela-Lema L, Barros-Dios JM, Arias-Ortiz NE. Residential Radon in Manizales, Colombia: Results of a Pilot Study. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2021; 18:ijerph18031228. [PMID: 33573028 PMCID: PMC7908556 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph18031228] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/17/2020] [Revised: 01/20/2021] [Accepted: 01/23/2021] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Radon is a colorless, odorless, and tasteless noble gas, causally related with the onset of lung cancer. We aimed to describe the distribution of radon exposure in the municipality of Manizales, Colombia, in order to estimate the population's exposure and establish the percentage of dwellings that surpass reference levels. A cross-sectional study representing all geographical areas was carried out by measuring indoor radon concentrations. Participants answered a short questionnaire. Alpha-track type radon detectors were installed in all residences for six months. The detectors were subsequently processed at the Galician Radon Laboratory, an accredited laboratory at the University of Santiago de Compostela. A total of 202 homes were measured. Seventy-seven percent of the sampled houses were three stories high, their median age was 30 years, and half were inhabited by three people or fewer. For most dwellings, the building materials of walls and flooring were brick and covered cement, respectively. Results showed a geometric mean of radon concentration of 8.5 Bq/m3 and a maximum value of 50 Bq/m3. No statistically significant differences were found either between the geometric mean of the dwelling's site, the height at which detectors were placed inside the home, or the wall and flooring materials, or between mean 222Rn concentrations in rural and urban areas. No dwelling surpassed the 222Rn reference level established by the WHO. This study shows that residential radon levels in Manizales, Colombia, seem to be low, though a more in-depth approach should be carried out. Despite these results, it is essential to create a national radon program and establish a radon concentration reference level for Colombia in line with international recommendations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexandra Giraldo-Osorio
- Department of Preventive Medicine and Public Health, University of Santiago de Compostela, 15782 Santiago de Compostela, Spain; (A.G.-O.); (M.P.-R.); (L.V.-L.); (J.M.B.-D.)
- Grupo de Investigación Promoción de la Salud y Prevención de la Enfermedad (GIPSPE), Departamento de Salud Pública, Universidad de Caldas, Manizales 170002, Colombia;
- Scholarship Holder of Fundación Carolina (C.2020), 28071 Madrid, Spain
| | - Alberto Ruano-Ravina
- Department of Preventive Medicine and Public Health, University of Santiago de Compostela, 15782 Santiago de Compostela, Spain; (A.G.-O.); (M.P.-R.); (L.V.-L.); (J.M.B.-D.)
- Consortium for Biomedical Research in Epidemiology & Public Health (CIBER en Epidemiología and Salud Pública/CIBERESP), 15782 Santiago de Compostela, Spain
- Health Research Institute of Santiago de Compostela (Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria de Santiago de Compostela—IDIS), 15706 Santiago de Compostela, Spain
- Correspondence:
| | - Mónica Pérez-Ríos
- Department of Preventive Medicine and Public Health, University of Santiago de Compostela, 15782 Santiago de Compostela, Spain; (A.G.-O.); (M.P.-R.); (L.V.-L.); (J.M.B.-D.)
- Consortium for Biomedical Research in Epidemiology & Public Health (CIBER en Epidemiología and Salud Pública/CIBERESP), 15782 Santiago de Compostela, Spain
- Health Research Institute of Santiago de Compostela (Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria de Santiago de Compostela—IDIS), 15706 Santiago de Compostela, Spain
| | - Leonor Varela-Lema
- Department of Preventive Medicine and Public Health, University of Santiago de Compostela, 15782 Santiago de Compostela, Spain; (A.G.-O.); (M.P.-R.); (L.V.-L.); (J.M.B.-D.)
| | - Juan Miguel Barros-Dios
- Department of Preventive Medicine and Public Health, University of Santiago de Compostela, 15782 Santiago de Compostela, Spain; (A.G.-O.); (M.P.-R.); (L.V.-L.); (J.M.B.-D.)
- Consortium for Biomedical Research in Epidemiology & Public Health (CIBER en Epidemiología and Salud Pública/CIBERESP), 15782 Santiago de Compostela, Spain
- Health Research Institute of Santiago de Compostela (Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria de Santiago de Compostela—IDIS), 15706 Santiago de Compostela, Spain
| | - Nelson Enrique Arias-Ortiz
- Grupo de Investigación Promoción de la Salud y Prevención de la Enfermedad (GIPSPE), Departamento de Salud Pública, Universidad de Caldas, Manizales 170002, Colombia;
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Gómez-Anca S, Barros-Dios JM. Radon Exposure and Neurodegenerative Disease. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2020; 17:ijerph17207439. [PMID: 33066046 PMCID: PMC7600778 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph17207439] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/14/2020] [Revised: 10/05/2020] [Accepted: 10/10/2020] [Indexed: 12/28/2022]
Abstract
Background: To carry out a systematic review of scientific literature about the association between radon exposure and neurodegenerative diseases. Methods: We performed a bibliographic search in the following databases: Pub med (Medline), Cochrane, BioMed Central and Web of Science. We collected the data by following a predetermined search strategy in which several terms werecombined. After an initial search, 77 articles were obtained.10 of which fulfilled the inclusion criteria. Five of these 10 studies were related to multiple sclerosis (MS), 2 were about motor neuron diseases (MND), in particular amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) and 3 were related to both Alzheimer's disease (AD) and Parkinson's disease (PD). Results: The majority of the included articles, suggested a possible association between radon exposure and a subsequent development of neurodegenerative diseases. Some of the studies that obtained statistically significant resultsrevealed a possible association between radon exposure and an increase in MS prevalence. Furthermore, it was also suggested that radon exposure increases MND and AD mortality. Regarding AD and PD, it was observed that certainde cay products of radon-222 (222Rn), specifically polonium-210 (210Po) and bismuth-210 (210Bi), present a characteristic distributionpattern within the brain anatomy. However, the study with the highest scientific evidence included in this review, which investigated a possible association between the concentration of residential radon gas and the MS incidence, revealed no significant results. Conclusions: It cannot be concluded, although it is observed, that there is a possible causal association between radon exposure and neurodegenerative diseases. Most of the available studies are ecological so, studies of higher statistical evidence are needed to establish a causal relationship. Further research is needed on this topic.
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Affiliation(s)
- Silvia Gómez-Anca
- Department of Preventive Medicine and Public Health, University of Santiago de Compostela, 15782 Santiago, Spain;
| | - Juan Miguel Barros-Dios
- Department of Preventive Medicine and Public Health, University of Santiago de Compostela, 15782 Santiago, Spain;
- Department of Preventive Medicine, Santiago de Compostela University Teaching Hospital Complex, Santiago de Compostela, 15706 Santiago, Spain
- Center for Biomedical Research on the Network of Epidemiology and Public Health (Centro DE Investigacion Biomédica en Red DE Epidemiología Y Salud Pública), 15706 Santiago de Compostela, Spain
- Correspondence:
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11
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Semenova Y, Pivina L, Zhunussov Y, Zhanaspayev M, Chirumbolo S, Muzdubayeva Z, Bjørklund G. Radiation-related health hazards to uranium miners. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLLUTION RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2020; 27:34808-34822. [PMID: 32638305 DOI: 10.1007/s11356-020-09590-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/08/2020] [Accepted: 06/03/2020] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
Concerns on health effects from uranium (U) mining still represent a major issue of debate. Any typology of active job in U mines is associated with exposure to U and its decay products, such as radon (Rn), thorium (Th), and radium (Ra) and its decay products with alpha-emission and gamma radiation. Health effects in U miners have been investigated in several cohort studies in the USA, Canada, Germany, the Czech Republic, and France. While public opinion is particularly addressed to pay attention to the safety of nuclear facilities, health hazard associated with mining is poorly debated. According to the many findings from cohort studies, the most significant positive dose-response relationship was found between occupational U exposure and lung cancer. Other types of tumors associated with occupational U exposure are leukemia and lymphoid cancers. Furthermore, it was found increased but not statistically significant death risk in U miners due to cancers in the liver, stomach, and kidneys. So far, there has not been found a significant association between U exposure and increased cardiovascular mortality in U miners. This review tries to address the current state of the art of these studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuliya Semenova
- Semey Medical University, Semey, Kazakhstan
- CONEM Kazakhstan Environmental Health and Safety Research Group, Semey Medical University, Semey, Kazakhstan
| | - Lyudmila Pivina
- Semey Medical University, Semey, Kazakhstan
- CONEM Kazakhstan Environmental Health and Safety Research Group, Semey Medical University, Semey, Kazakhstan
| | | | | | - Salvatore Chirumbolo
- Department of Neurosciences, Biomedicine and Movement Sciences, University of Verona, Verona, Italy
- CONEM Scientific, Verona, Italy
| | | | - Geir Bjørklund
- Council for Nutritional and Environmental Medicine (CONEM), Toften 24, 8610, Mo i Rana, Norway.
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12
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Peng C, DuPre N, VoPham T, Heng YJ, Baker GM, Rubadue CA, Glass K, Sonawane A, Zeleznik O, Kraft P, Hankinson SE, Eliassen AH, Hart JE, Laden F, Tamimi RM. Low dose environmental radon exposure and breast tumor gene expression. BMC Cancer 2020; 20:695. [PMID: 32723380 PMCID: PMC7385902 DOI: 10.1186/s12885-020-07184-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/03/2019] [Accepted: 07/15/2020] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The International Agency for Research on Cancer classified radon and its decay-products as Group-1-human-carcinogens, and with the current knowledge they are linked specifically to lung cancer. Biokinetic models predict that radon could deliver a carcinogenic dose to breast tissue. Our previous work suggested that low-dose radon was associated with estrogen-receptor (ER)-negative breast cancer risk. However, there is limited research to examine the role of radon in breast cancer biology at the tissue level. We aim to understand molecular pathways linking radon exposure with breast cancer biology using transcriptome-wide-gene-expression from breast tumor and normal-adjacent tissues. METHODS Our study included 943 women diagnosed with breast cancer from the Nurses' Health Study (NHS) and NHSII. We estimated cumulative radon concentration for each participant up-to the year of breast cancer diagnosis by linking residential addresses with a radon exposure model. Transcriptome-wide-gene-expression was measured with the Affymetrix-Glue-Human-Transcriptome-Array-3.0 and Human-Transcriptome-Array-2.0. We performed covariate-adjusted linear-regression for individual genes and further employed pathway-analysis. All analyses were conducted separately for tumor and normal-adjacent samples and by ER-status. RESULTS No individual gene was associated with cumulative radon exposure in ER-positive tumor, ER-negative tumor, or ER-negative normal-adjacent tissues at FDR < 5%. In ER-positive normal-adjacent samples, PLCH2-reached transcriptome-wide-significance (FDR < 5%). Gene-set-enrichment-analyses identified 2-upregulated pathways (MAPK signaling and phosphocholine biosynthesis) enriched at FDR < 25% in ER-negative tumors and normal-adjacent tissues, and both pathways have been previously reported to play key roles in ionizing radiation induced tumorigenesis in experimental settings. CONCLUSION Our findings provide insights into the molecular pathways of radon exposure that may influence breast cancer etiology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cheng Peng
- Channing Division of Network Medicine, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston, MA, USA.
| | - Natalie DuPre
- Channing Division of Network Medicine, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
- Department of Epidemiology, University of Louisville School of Public Health and Information Science, Louisville, KY, USA
| | - Trang VoPham
- Channing Division of Network Medicine, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
- Department of Epidemiology, Harvard T. H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Yujing J Heng
- Department of Pathology, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
- Cancer Research Institute, Beth Israel Deaconess Cancer Center, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Gabrielle M Baker
- Department of Pathology, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Christopher A Rubadue
- Department of Pathology, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Kimberly Glass
- Channing Division of Network Medicine, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Abhijeet Sonawane
- Channing Division of Network Medicine, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Oana Zeleznik
- Channing Division of Network Medicine, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Peter Kraft
- Department of Epidemiology, Harvard T. H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, MA, USA
- Department of Biostatistics, Harvard T. H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Susan E Hankinson
- Channing Division of Network Medicine, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
- Department of Epidemiology, Harvard T. H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, MA, USA
- Department of Biostatistics and Epidemiology, School of Public Health and Health Sciences, University of Massachusetts Amherst, Amherst, MA, USA
| | - A Heather Eliassen
- Channing Division of Network Medicine, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
- Department of Epidemiology, Harvard T. H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Jaime E Hart
- Channing Division of Network Medicine, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
- Department of Environmental Health, Harvard T. H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Francine Laden
- Channing Division of Network Medicine, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
- Department of Epidemiology, Harvard T. H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, MA, USA
- Department of Environmental Health, Harvard T. H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Rulla M Tamimi
- Channing Division of Network Medicine, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
- Department of Epidemiology, Harvard T. H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, MA, USA
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Martins LMO, Pereira AJSC, Oliveira AS, Fernandes LFS, Pacheco FAL. A new radon prediction approach for an assessment of radiological potential in drinking water. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2020; 712:136427. [PMID: 31935548 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2019.136427] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/31/2019] [Revised: 12/28/2019] [Accepted: 12/29/2019] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
Inhaled radon from groundwater used for domestic purposes is one of the sources of natural radioactivity into indoor air. Due to uranium-bearing minerals occurrences, hydrogeochemical conditions, tectonic structures, and hydraulic circuits, the radon pathway from rocks to groundwater is quite unpredictable. High radon potential from bedrocks is not always associated with high radon levels in groundwater. Besides, inhaled radon from domestic use may also increase the exposure toindoor radon levels. This innovative methodology using hydrogeochemical conditions and groundwater flow transport was used for radon predictions in the underground to ensure safe drinking water ingestion and inhalation. This innovative radon prediction methodology is based on classic hydrogeochemical analyses (Eh-pH, Piper, Schöeller and Gibb's diagrams) and multivariate statistical analyses (Principal Component Analysis and Pearson's correlation). High dissolution of major ions does not imply high radon mobilization from rocks to groundwater. The travel time was estimated to developed a flow transport of contaminated groundwater. Radiological results show that of the 25 sampled springs, five of them contained radon concentrations above the Portuguese imposed limit (222Rn = 500 Bq·L-1), and 16 of them with values above the WHO recommended limit (222Rn = 100 Bq·L-1). Overall, this new approach of radon prediction showed that uranium enrichment in rocks at ideal hydrochemical conditions and emanation coefficient, and shallow circuits, are responsible for radon increasing in drinking water. The proposed approach allow to predict the areas with high radon potential groundwaters, being a tool to be used by water planners and policy makers for corrective and preventive measures in shallow groundwater flows. To safeguard clean water within the predefined deadline of Sustainable Development Goals (2030) and to ensure human health in compliance with WHO guidelines for safe drinking water, should be established priority water protection policies to reduced radon in this contaminated springs (n = 16).
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Affiliation(s)
- L M O Martins
- Department of Geology, University of Trás-os-Montes and Alto Douro, Ap. 1013, 5001-801 Vila Real, Portugal; Centre for the Research and Technology of Agro-Environment and Biological Science, Vila Real, Portugal.
| | - A J S C Pereira
- Department of Earth Sciences, Centre for Earth and Space Research, Rua Sílvio Lima, Polo II, Coimbra University, 3004-531 Coimbra, Portugal
| | - A Sousa Oliveira
- Department of Geology, University of Trás-os-Montes and Alto Douro, Ap. 1013, 5001-801 Vila Real, Portugal; Geosciences Centre, Coimbra, Portugal
| | - L F Sanches Fernandes
- Centre for the Research and Technology of Agro-Environment and Biological Science, Vila Real, Portugal; Department of Civil Engineering, University of Trás-os-Montes and Alto Douro, Ap. 1013, 5001-801 Vila Real, Portugal
| | - F A L Pacheco
- Department of Geology, University of Trás-os-Montes and Alto Douro, Ap. 1013, 5001-801 Vila Real, Portugal; Chemistry Research Centre, Vila Real, Portugal
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Lorenzo-González M, Torres-Durán M, Barbosa-Lorenzo R, Provencio-Pulla M, Barros-Dios JM, Ruano-Ravina A. Radon exposure: a major cause of lung cancer. Expert Rev Respir Med 2019; 13:839-850. [DOI: 10.1080/17476348.2019.1645599] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/10/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- María Lorenzo-González
- Service of Preventive Medicine, University Hospital Complex of Ourense, Ourense, Spain
- Department of Preventive Medicine and Public Health, University of Santiago de Compostela, Santiago de Compostela, Spain
| | | | | | | | - Juan Miguel Barros-Dios
- Department of Preventive Medicine and Public Health, University of Santiago de Compostela, Santiago de Compostela, Spain
- 5CIBER de Epidemiología y Salud Pública CIBERESP, Santiago de Compostela, Spain
- Service of Preventive Medicine, University Hospital Complex of Santiago de Compostela, Spain
| | - Alberto Ruano-Ravina
- Department of Preventive Medicine and Public Health, University of Santiago de Compostela, Santiago de Compostela, Spain
- 5CIBER de Epidemiología y Salud Pública CIBERESP, Santiago de Compostela, Spain
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Vimercati L, Fucilli F, Cavone D, De Maria L, Birtolo F, Ferri GM, Soleo L, Lovreglio P. Radon Levels in Indoor Environments of the University Hospital in Bari-Apulia Region Southern Italy. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2018; 15:ijerph15040694. [PMID: 29642436 PMCID: PMC5923736 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph15040694] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/14/2018] [Revised: 04/03/2018] [Accepted: 04/03/2018] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
Since 1988, the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) has classified radon among the compounds for which there is scientific evidence of carcinogenicity for humans (group 1). The World Health Organization (WHO) recommends a reference radon level between 100 and 300 Bq/m3 for homes. The objective of this study is to measure the radon concentrations in 401 workplaces, different from the patient rooms, in 28 different buildings of the university hospital in Bari (Apulia region, Southern Italy) to evaluate the exposure of health care workers. Radon environmental sampling is performed over two consecutive six-month periods via the use of passive dosimeters of the CR-39 type. We find an average annual radon concentration expressed as median value of 48.0 Bq/m3 (range 6.5–388.0 Bq/m3) with a significant difference between the two six-month periods (median value: February/July 41.0 Bq/m3 vs. August/January 55.0 Bq/m3). An average concentration of radon lower than the WHO reference level (100 Bq/m3) is detected in 76.1% of monitored environments, while higher than 300 Bq/m3 only in the 0.9%. Most workplaces report radon concentrations within the WHO reference level, therefore, the risk to workers’ health deriving from occupational exposure to radon can be considered to be low. Nevertheless, the goal is to achieve near-zero exposures to protect workers’ health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luigi Vimercati
- Interdisciplinary Department of Medicine, Section of Occupational Medicine, University of Bari Aldo Moro Medical School, 70124 Bari, Italy.
| | - Fulvio Fucilli
- Regional University Hospital Policlinico-Prevention and Protection Service/Health Physics-A.O.U. Consortium Policlinico di Bari, 7014 Bari, Italy.
| | - Domenica Cavone
- Interdisciplinary Department of Medicine, Section of Occupational Medicine, University of Bari Aldo Moro Medical School, 70124 Bari, Italy.
| | - Luigi De Maria
- Interdisciplinary Department of Medicine, Section of Occupational Medicine, University of Bari Aldo Moro Medical School, 70124 Bari, Italy.
| | - Francesco Birtolo
- Interdisciplinary Department of Medicine, Section of Occupational Medicine, University of Bari Aldo Moro Medical School, 70124 Bari, Italy.
| | - Giovanni Maria Ferri
- Interdisciplinary Department of Medicine, Section of Occupational Medicine, University of Bari Aldo Moro Medical School, 70124 Bari, Italy.
| | - Leonardo Soleo
- Interdisciplinary Department of Medicine, Section of Occupational Medicine, University of Bari Aldo Moro Medical School, 70124 Bari, Italy.
| | - Piero Lovreglio
- Interdisciplinary Department of Medicine, Section of Occupational Medicine, University of Bari Aldo Moro Medical School, 70124 Bari, Italy.
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López-Abente G, Núñez O, Fernández-Navarro P, Barros-Dios JM, Martín-Méndez I, Bel-Lan A, Locutura J, Quindós L, Sainz C, Ruano-Ravina A. Residential radon and cancer mortality in Galicia, Spain. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2018; 610-611:1125-1132. [PMID: 28847132 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2017.08.144] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/14/2017] [Revised: 08/14/2017] [Accepted: 08/14/2017] [Indexed: 06/07/2023]
Abstract
Residential radon exposure is a serious public health concern, and as such appears in the recommendations of European Code Against Cancer. The objective of this study was to assess the association between residential radon levels and mortality due to different types of cancer, using misaligned data analysis techniques. Mortality data (observed cases) for each of the 313 Galician municipalities were drawn from the records of the National Statistics Institute for the study period (1999-2008). Expected cases were computed using Galician mortality rates for 14 types of malignant tumors as reference, with a total of 56,385 deaths due to the tumors analyzed. The effect estimates of indoor radon (3371 sampling points) were adjusted for sociodemographic variables, altitude, and arsenic topsoil levels (1069 sampling points), using spatial/geostatistical models fitted with stochastic partial differential equations and integrated nested Laplace approximations. These models are capable of processing misaligned data. The results showed a statistical association between indoor radon and lung, stomach and brain cancer in women in Galicia. Apart from lung cancer (relative risk (RR)=1.09), in which a twofold increase in radon exposure led to a 9% rise in mortality, the association was particularly relevant in stomach (RR=1.17) and brain cancer (RR=1.28). Further analytical epidemiologic studies are needed to confirm these results, and an assessment should be made of the advisability of implementing interventions targeting such exposure in higher-risk areas.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gonzalo López-Abente
- Cancer and Environmental Epidemiology Unit, National Epidemiology Center, Carlos III, Institute of Health, Avda. Monforte de Lemos 5, 28029 Madrid, Spain; Consortium for Biomedical Research in Epidemiology and Public Health (CIBER en Epidemiología y Salud Pública - CIBERESP), Spain.
| | - Olivier Núñez
- Cancer and Environmental Epidemiology Unit, National Epidemiology Center, Carlos III, Institute of Health, Avda. Monforte de Lemos 5, 28029 Madrid, Spain; Consortium for Biomedical Research in Epidemiology and Public Health (CIBER en Epidemiología y Salud Pública - CIBERESP), Spain
| | - Pablo Fernández-Navarro
- Cancer and Environmental Epidemiology Unit, National Epidemiology Center, Carlos III, Institute of Health, Avda. Monforte de Lemos 5, 28029 Madrid, Spain; Consortium for Biomedical Research in Epidemiology and Public Health (CIBER en Epidemiología y Salud Pública - CIBERESP), Spain
| | - Juan M Barros-Dios
- Consortium for Biomedical Research in Epidemiology and Public Health (CIBER en Epidemiología y Salud Pública - CIBERESP), Spain; Department of Preventive Medicine and Public Health, University of Santiago de Compostela, School of Medicine, San Francisco Street, 15782 Santiago de Compostela, Galicia, Spain; Preventive Medicine Unit, Santiago de Compostela Clinic University Hospital, Santiago de Compostela, Galicia, Spain
| | - Iván Martín-Méndez
- Department of Geochemistry and Mineral Resources, Spanish Geological and Mining Institute (Instituto Geológico y Minero de España/IGME), Ríos Rosas, 23, 28003 Madrid, Spain
| | - Alejandro Bel-Lan
- Department of Geochemistry and Mineral Resources, Spanish Geological and Mining Institute (Instituto Geológico y Minero de España/IGME), Ríos Rosas, 23, 28003 Madrid, Spain
| | - Juan Locutura
- Department of Geochemistry and Mineral Resources, Spanish Geological and Mining Institute (Instituto Geológico y Minero de España/IGME), Ríos Rosas, 23, 28003 Madrid, Spain
| | - Luis Quindós
- RADON Group, Faculty of Medicine, University of Cantabria, c/Cardenal Herrera Oria s/n, 39011 Santander, Cantabria, Spain
| | - Carlos Sainz
- RADON Group, Faculty of Medicine, University of Cantabria, c/Cardenal Herrera Oria s/n, 39011 Santander, Cantabria, Spain
| | - Alberto Ruano-Ravina
- Consortium for Biomedical Research in Epidemiology and Public Health (CIBER en Epidemiología y Salud Pública - CIBERESP), Spain; Department of Preventive Medicine and Public Health, University of Santiago de Compostela, School of Medicine, San Francisco Street, 15782 Santiago de Compostela, Galicia, Spain; Preventive Medicine Unit, Santiago de Compostela Clinic University Hospital, Santiago de Compostela, Galicia, Spain
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Oancea SC, Rundquist BC, Simon I, Swartz S, Zheng Y, Zhou X, Sens MA, Schwartz GG. County level incidence rates of chronic lymphocytic leukemia are associated with residential radon levels. Future Oncol 2017; 13:1873-1881. [PMID: 28835109 PMCID: PMC5618932 DOI: 10.2217/fon-2017-0165] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Aim: We previously reported that incidence rates for chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) among US states are significantly correlated with levels of residential radon (RR). Because these correlations could be influenced by confounding and/or misclassification among large geographic units, we reinvestigated them using smaller geographic units that better reflect exposure and disease at the individual level. Methods: We examined the relationships between CLL and RR per county in 478 counties with publicly-available data. Results: After adjustment for ultraviolet radiation, a possible risk factor for CLL, county rates for CLL and RR were significantly correlated among males and females both together and separately (p < 0.0001). Conclusion: CLL is significantly associated with RR at the county level.
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Affiliation(s)
- S Cristina Oancea
- Department of Population Health, School of Medicine & Health Sciences, University of North Dakota, Grand Forks, ND 58202, USA
| | - Bradley C Rundquist
- Department of Geography & Geographic Information Science, University of North Dakota, College of Arts & Sciences, Grand Forks, ND 58202, USA
| | - Isaac Simon
- Department of Earth System Science & Policy, University of North Dakota, John D. Odegard School of Aerospace Sciences, Grand Forks, ND, 58202, USA
| | - Sami Swartz
- Department of Geography & Geographic Information Science, University of North Dakota, College of Arts & Sciences, Grand Forks, ND 58202, USA
| | - Yun Zheng
- Department of Pathology, University of North Dakota, School of Medicine & Health Sciences, Grand Forks, ND 58202, USA
| | - Xudong Zhou
- Department of Pathology, University of North Dakota, School of Medicine & Health Sciences, Grand Forks, ND 58202, USA
| | - Mary Ann Sens
- Department of Pathology, University of North Dakota, School of Medicine & Health Sciences, Grand Forks, ND 58202, USA
| | - Gary G Schwartz
- Department of Population Health, School of Medicine & Health Sciences, University of North Dakota, Grand Forks, ND 58202, USA
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Barbosa-Lorenzo R, Barros-Dios JM, Ruano-Ravina A. Radon and stomach cancer. Int J Epidemiol 2017; 46:767-768. [DOI: 10.1093/ije/dyx011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/14/2022] Open
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