Cancer incidence in a population accidentally exposed to 2,3,7,8-tetrachlorodibenzo-para-dioxin.
In 1976, an accident in a plant near Seveso, Italy, exposed the local population to 2,3,7,8-tetrachlorodibenzo-p-dioxin (TCDD). Persons residing in three zones of decreasing TCDD contamination (A, B, and R) and a reference population were followed up for cancer occurrence in 1977-1986. The most exposed subgroup (A) was small, and only 14 cancer cases were observed. In zone B, hepatobiliary cancer was elevated, especially for those living in the area for > 5 years [relative risk (RR) = 2.8; 95% confidence interval (CI) = 1.2-6.3]. Men exhibited an increase in hematologic neoplasms, most notably lymphoreticulosarcoma (RR = 5.7; 95% CI = 1.7-19.0). Women experienced an increased incidence of multiple myeloma (RR = 5.3; 95% CI = 1.2-22.6) and myeloid leukemia (RR = 3.7; 95% CI = 0.9-15.7). In zone R, the incidence of soft tissue tumors and non-Hodgkin's lymphomas was elevated, particularly among persons living in the area for > 5 years (RR = 3.5; 95% CI = 1.2-10.4 for sarcomas, and RR = 2.0; 95% CI = 1.2-3.6 for non-Hodgkin's lymphomas). Breast cancer among females was below expectations in the most contaminated zones, and a clear deficit for endometrial cancer was observed in zones B and R.
Institute of Occupational Health, School of Medicine, University of Milan, Italy.
A
A
Bertazzi
A C
AC
Pesatori
D
D
Consonni
A
A
Tironi
M T
MT
Landi
C
C
Zocchetti
D000328:Adult; D002274:Carcinogens, Environmental; D002423:Cause of Death; D002617:Chemical Industry; D003644:Death Certificates; D004781:Environmental Exposure; D005107:Explosions; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006801:Humans; D015994:Incidence; D007558:Italy / Q000453:epidemiology; D008297:Male; D009369:Neoplasms / Q000139:chemically induced* / Q000453:epidemiology; D000072317:Polychlorinated Dibenzodioxins / Q000009:adverse effects*; D012307:Risk Factors
D002274:Carcinogens, Environmental; D000072317:Polychlorinated Dibenzodioxins