Increased Lung Cancer and Bronchiectasis Mortality from Early Childhood Arsenic Exposure
Author Information
Author(s): Allan H. Smith, Guillermo Marshall, Yan Yuan, Catterina Ferreccio, Jane Liaw, Ondine von Ehrenstein, Craig Steinmaus, Michael N. Bates, Steve Selvin
Primary Institution: University of California, Berkeley
Hypothesis
Does early-life exposure to arsenic in drinking water increase mortality rates from lung cancer and bronchiectasis in young adults?
Conclusion
The study found that exposure to arsenic in drinking water during early childhood or in utero significantly increases mortality from lung cancer and bronchiectasis in young adults.
Supporting Evidence
- Arsenic in drinking water is classified as a group 1 carcinogen.
- Mortality rates for lung cancer in Antofagasta were found to be at least 3-fold higher than the rest of Chile.
- Standardized mortality ratios for lung cancer and bronchiectasis were significantly elevated in those exposed to arsenic.
Takeaway
Drinking water with arsenic when you are a baby or young child can make you much more likely to get really sick from lung problems when you grow up.
Methodology
The study compared mortality rates in Antofagasta, Chile, from 1989 to 2000 with the rest of Chile, focusing on individuals born during or just before a high arsenic exposure period.
Potential Biases
There is a potential for bias due to in-migration of high-risk individuals from other regions.
Limitations
The study is ecologic in nature, relying on death certificates which may not accurately reflect individual exposure.
Participant Demographics
The study focused on individuals born in Antofagasta between 1950 and 1970.
Statistical Information
P-Value
< 0.001
Confidence Interval
95% CI, 5.4–8.9
Statistical Significance
p<0.001
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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