Lung Cancer Mortality Near Paper and Pulp Industries in Spain
Author Information
Author(s): Susana Monge-Corella, Javier García-Pérez, Nuria Aragonés, Marina Pollán, Beatriz Pérez-Gómez, Gonzalo López-Abente
Primary Institution: National Centre for Epidemiology, Carlos III Institute of Health, Madrid, Spain
Hypothesis
Is there excess lung cancer mortality among populations near paper and board industries in Spain?
Conclusion
The study suggests that while there is no clear association between proximity to paper and pulp industries and lung cancer mortality, some industries showed increased risk for men.
Supporting Evidence
- 11 industrial sites had neighboring towns considered in the analysis.
- Statistically significant excess risk was found for men in Zaragoza.
- Results varied widely among different industrial sites.
Takeaway
This study looked at whether living near paper factories makes people more likely to get lung cancer. It found some hints that it might, especially for men, but it's not certain.
Methodology
An ecological study modeling the Standardised Mortality Ratio (SMR) for lung cancer in 8073 Spanish towns from 1994 to 2003, using mixed Poisson regression models.
Potential Biases
Potential ecological bias due to the nature of the study and misclassification of exposure based on distance.
Limitations
The study's ecological nature and lack of municipal-level smoking data may confound results.
Participant Demographics
The study focused on towns in Spain, with a male:female lung cancer mortality ratio of 7:1.
Statistical Information
P-Value
1.112
Confidence Interval
1.070–1.155
Statistical Significance
p<0.05
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
Want to read the original?
Access the complete publication on the publisher's website