Hexavalent Chromium in Drinking Water and Cancer Mortality in Greece
Author Information
Author(s): Linos Athena, Petralias Athanassios, Christophi Costas A, Christoforidou Eleni, Kouroutou Paraskevi, Stoltidis Melina, Veloudaki Afroditi, Tzala Evangelia, Makris Konstantinos C, Karagas Margaret R
Primary Institution: National and Kapodistrian University of Athens
Hypothesis
Is hexavalent chromium carcinogenic when ingested through drinking water?
Conclusion
The study found elevated cancer mortality rates in the Oinofita area, suggesting a link between hexavalent chromium ingestion and cancer.
Supporting Evidence
- The SMR for primary liver cancer was 1104, indicating a significant increase in mortality.
- Statistically significant SMRs were found for lung cancer and kidney cancers among women.
- Overall cancer mortality was slightly elevated with an SMR of 114.
Takeaway
Drinking water with hexavalent chromium might make people sick and lead to cancer, especially in certain areas of Greece.
Methodology
An ecological mortality study was conducted over 11 years, analyzing cancer deaths in relation to hexavalent chromium exposure in drinking water.
Potential Biases
Possible misclassification of cause of death and underestimation of actual exposure due to reliance on municipal records.
Limitations
The study's ecological design may not account for individual exposure variations and potential confounding factors.
Participant Demographics
The cohort consisted of 5842 individuals registered as permanent residents in the Oinofita municipality.
Statistical Information
P-Value
<0.001
Confidence Interval
95% CI 89-107
Statistical Significance
p<0.001
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
Want to read the original?
Access the complete publication on the publisher's website