Childhood cancers and atmospheric carcinogens.
OBJECTIVE
To retest previous findings that childhood cancers are probably initiated by prenatal exposures to combustion process gases and to volatile organic compounds (VOCs); and to identify specific chemical hazards.


METHODS
Birth and death addresses of fatal child cancers in Great Britain between 1966 and 1980, were linked with high local atmospheric emissions of different chemical species. Among migrant children, distances from each address to the nearest emissions "hotspot" were compared. Excesses of outward over inward migrations show an increased prenatal or early infancy risk.


METHODS
Maps of emissions of many different substances were published on the internet by the National Atmospheric Emissions Inventory and "hotspots" for 2001 were translated to map coordinates. Child cancer addresses were extracted from an earlier inquiry into the carcinogenic effects of obstetric radiographs; and their postcodes translated to map references.


RESULTS
Significant birth proximity relative risks were found within 1.0 km of hotspots for carbon monoxide, PM10 particles, VOCs, nitrogen oxides, benzene, dioxins, 1,3-butadiene, and benz(a)pyrene. Calculated attributable risks showed that most child cancers and leukaemias are probably initiated by such exposures.


CONCLUSIONS
Reported associations of cancer birth places with sites of industrial combustion, VOCs uses, and associated engine exhausts, are confirmed. Newly identified specific hazards include the known carcinogens 1,3-butadiene, dioxins, and benz(a)pyrene. The mother probably inhales these or related materials and passes them to the fetus across the placenta.
Knox
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Mill Cottage, Front Street, Great Comberton, Pershore, Worcestershire WR10 3DU, UK.
D000293:Adolescent; D002273:Carcinogens / Q000633:toxicity*; D002648:Child; D002675:Child, Preschool; D004781:Environmental Exposure / Q000009:adverse effects*; D005260:Female; D005579:Fossil Fuels / Q000009:adverse effects; D015386:Hazardous Substances / Q000633:toxicity*; D006801:Humans; D007223:Infant; D007231:Infant, Newborn; D008670:Metals / Q000633:toxicity; D009369:Neoplasms / Q000139:chemically induced* / Q000401:mortality; D009930:Organic Chemicals / Q000633:toxicity; D011247:Pregnancy; D011297:Prenatal Exposure Delayed Effects; D018570:Risk Assessment / Q000379:methods; D006113:United Kingdom / Q000453:epidemiology
D002273:Carcinogens; D005579:Fossil Fuels; D015386:Hazardous Substances; D008670:Metals; D009930:Organic Chemicals