Cancer morbidity investigations: lessons from the Duluth study of possible effects of asbestos in drinking water

Sigurdson, EE; Levy, BS; Mandel, J; Mchugh, R; Michienzi, LJ; Jagger, H; Pearson, J

HERO ID

60579

Reference Type

Journal Article

Year

1981

Language

English

PMID

7238468

HERO ID 60579
In Press No
Year 1981
Title Cancer morbidity investigations: lessons from the Duluth study of possible effects of asbestos in drinking water
Authors Sigurdson, EE; Levy, BS; Mandel, J; Mchugh, R; Michienzi, LJ; Jagger, H; Pearson, J
Journal Environmental Research
Volume 25
Issue 1
Page Numbers 50-61
Abstract Surveillance of cancer morbidity in Duluth, Minnesota, was undertaken to investigate the effects of ingesting asbestos fibers in municipal drinking water. Tests in 1973 had revealed the presence of 1 to 30 million asbestos-like fibers per liter of tap water. Asbestos-containing taconite ore wastes were dumped into Lake Superior from 1955 to 1980, sometimes at the rate of 67,000 tons per day. Using the methods of the Third National Cancer Survey and comparing results with data collected in Minneapolis and St. Paul showed that Duluth females and both sexes combined had statistically significantly higher rates of pancreatic cancer than persons in Minneapolis and St. Paul for 1969-1971. The rates for both sexes declined during the 1972-1974 period. Morbidity and mortality rates were compared. Mortality rates in Duluth for cancers in certain gastrointestinal sites and for lung cancer were substantially higher for Duluth than for Minneapolis and St. Paul, but morbidity rates were very similar. The time requirements, budget , personnel, and supplies for conducting a morbidity study in a small (100,000) population are described. (Cassar-FRC)
Doi 10.1016/0013-9351(81)90079-7
Pmid 7238468
Wosid WOS:A1981LS46500005
Is Certified Translation No
Dupe Override No
Comments Environ. Res. 25: 50-61.
Is Public Yes
Language Text English
Keyword Water Pollutants; Asbestos; 1332-21-4; Index Medicus; Epidemiologic Methods; Sex Factors; Minnesota; Asbestos -- adverse effects; Digestive System Neoplasms -- epidemiology; Digestive System Neoplasms -- etiology; Water Pollutants -- poisoning; Lung Neoplasms -- epidemiology; Lung Neoplasms -- etiology
Is Qa No