Prenatal Exposure to TRI Facilities and Brain Cancer Risk
Author Information
Author(s): Valerie J. Brown
Primary Institution: National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences
Hypothesis
Children of mothers who lived near TRI facilities during pregnancy may be more likely to develop brain cancer.
Conclusion
Children whose mothers lived near TRI facilities during pregnancy may have a higher risk of developing brain cancer.
Supporting Evidence
- 193 of the 650 toxic chemicals listed in the TRI are known or suspected carcinogens.
- 55 known, probable, or possible carcinogens were released within 2 miles of the study participants.
- Mothers of children with brain cancer were nearly 50% more likely to have lived within 1 mile of a TRI site during pregnancy.
Takeaway
If a mom lived close to a factory that releases harmful chemicals while she was pregnant, her child might have a higher chance of getting brain cancer.
Methodology
The study analyzed 382 children diagnosed with brain cancer before age 10 and an equal number of cancer-free controls.
Potential Biases
There is uncertainty in accurately assessing exposure to TRI releases.
Limitations
The study did not account for other potential exposure factors and the results should be interpreted with caution.
Participant Demographics
Children diagnosed with brain cancer before age 10 and their mothers.
Statistical Information
Statistical Significance
p<0.05
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