Cancer risks related to electricity production.
The International Agency for Research on Cancer has previously evaluated the cancer risks associated with fossil fuel-based industrial processes such as coal gastification and coke production, substances and mixtures such as coal tars, coal tar pitch and mineral oils, and a number of substances emitted from fossil-fuelled plants such as benzo[a]pyrene and other polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons, arsenic, beryllium, cadmium, chromium, nickel, lead and formaldehyde. Based on these evaluations and other evidence from the literature, the carcinogenic risks to the general population and occupational groups from the fossil fuel cycle, the nuclear fuel cycle and renewable cycles are reviewed. Cancer risks from waste disposal, accidents and misuses, and electricity distribution are also considered. No cycle appears to be totally free from cancer risk, but the quantification of the effects of such exposures (in particular of those involving potential exposure to large amounts of carcinogens, such as coal, oil and nuclear) requires the application of methods which are subject to considerable margins of error. Uncertainties due to inadequate data and unconfirmed assumptions are discussed. Cancer risks related to the operation of renewable energy sources are negligible, although there may be some risks from construction of such installations. The elements of knowledge at our disposal do not encourage any attempt toward a quantitative comparative risk assessment. However, even in the absence of an accurate quantification of risk, qualitative indication of carcinogenic hazards should lead to preventive measures.
Boffetta
P
P
International Agency for Research on Cancer, Cours-Albert Thomas, France.
Cardis
E
E
Vainio
H
H
Coleman
M P
MP
Kogevinas
M
M
Nordberg
G
G
Parkin
D M
DM
Partensky
C
C
Shuker
D
D
Tomatis
L
L
D000062:Accidents, Occupational; D000393:Air Pollutants / Q000009:adverse effects; D003031:Coal; D004560:Electricity; D006801:Humans; D009369:Neoplasms / Q000209:etiology*; D009784:Occupational Diseases / Q000209:etiology*; D009821:Oils; D011210:Power Plants; D012307:Risk Factors
D000393:Air Pollutants; D003031:Coal; D009821:Oils