US EPA

3082764 

Journal Article 

Cancer incidence following exposure to drinking water with asbestos leachate 

Howe, HL; Wolfgang, PE; Burnett, WS; Nasca, PC; Youngblood, L 

1989 

1 

Public Health Reports
ISSN: 0033-3549
EISSN: 1468-2877 

104 

3 

251-256 

English 

2498974 

WOS:A1989U851900008 

is related to other part(s) 3094534 Cancer incidence following exposure to drinking water with asbestos leachate

In November 1985, the New York State Department of Health was altered to extraordinary concentrations of asbestos leachate in the drinking water in the Town of Woodstock. Concentrations of 3.2 million fibers per liter (MFL) to 304.5 MFL were found, depending on location. An investigation of cancer incidence in the area was conducted for the period 1973-83 using the State Cancer Registry to compute standardized incidence ratios. No evidence was found of elevated cancer incidence at sites associated with asbestos exposure. A statistically non-significant excess of kidney cancer was seen among men, but not women. Colon cancer among men was significantly low, but incidence among women was similar to that expected. Lung cancer incidence was lower than expected for both sexes. Ovarian cancer rates were not different from expected rates. At sites not previously related to asbestos exposure, cancer of the oral cavity was significantly high, with most affected persons having a history of cigarette smoking. Surveillance of the community is continuing because of an insufficient latent period for some exposed groups. 

article; Asbestos; Cohort Studies; Environmental Exposure; Neoplasms; Risk Factors; Water Pollution; Water Supply; contaminants; drinking water; carcinogenesis; carcinoma; epidemiology; New York