Cancer Risk from Ingested Arsenic in Drinking Water
Author Information
Author(s): C.-J. Chen, C.W. Chen, M.-M. Wu, T.-L. Kuo
Primary Institution: Institute of Public Health, National Taiwan University College of Medicine
Hypothesis
What is the risk of various internal organ cancers induced by ingested inorganic arsenic in drinking water?
Conclusion
The study found a significant dose-response relationship between arsenic levels in drinking water and mortality from liver, lung, bladder, and kidney cancers.
Supporting Evidence
- A significant dose-response relationship was observed between arsenic level in drinking water and mortality of liver, lung, bladder, and kidney cancers.
- The potency index for developing liver cancer due to arsenic was estimated at 4.3 x 10-3 for males and 3.6 x 10-3 for females.
- Mortality rates from cancers increased significantly with age for both males and females.
- Similar cancer risks were observed for both genders, indicating no significant gender difference in arsenic-induced carcinogenic responses.
Takeaway
Drinking water with arsenic can make people sick and increase the chances of getting certain types of cancer.
Methodology
The study analyzed mortality rates from cancers in an endemic area of chronic arsenicism using the Armitage-Doll multistage model.
Potential Biases
Potential overestimation of risk due to not including inorganic arsenic intakes from sources other than drinking water.
Limitations
The risk estimates may be underestimated due to assumptions about continuous arsenic intake and the availability of tap water.
Participant Demographics
Residents from 42 southwestern coastal villages in Taiwan, primarily engaged in farming, fishery, and salt production.
Statistical Information
Statistical Significance
p<0.05
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