Solid urban wastes and toxicity among residents of Ghemme and Cavaglio (Piedmont region, Italy). Results from a historical cohort 1980 to 2013.

BACKGROUND: There is plenty of evidence for a relation between certain environmental pollutants and ecological damage. Landfills, especially if uncontrolled and located near human settlements, may cause an increase in cancer incidence and in various diseases. METHODS: The area of study is represented by the cities of Ghemme (population 6,139) and Cavaglio (population 2,216), in the province of Novara, northern Italy. A solid urban waste landfill is located between these two cities. We analysed mortality data from 1980 to 2013 among subjects residing in the two cities since at least 6 months, according to distance from the landfill. Mortality data was obtained from the National Statistics Institute ( ISTAT). RESULTS: A mortality increase was shown, according to Cox model, in residential areas closer to the landfill. In Cavaglio D'Agogna the total number of cancer deaths occurring in the 0-44 age group and the total death causes were relevant. A significant increase in leukemia cases was detected in Ghemme city. CONCLUSIONS: Our analysis shows an increased risk of diseases (cancer and other diseases), with a possible environmental etiological link.

Mortality in the district of Ghemme and Cavaglio d'Agogna, site of an urban waste landfill.

INTRODUCTION: Aim this study is to assess anomalous mortality rates from 2002 to 2012, in the municipalities of Ghemme and Cavaglio d'Agogna where a landfill has been active. Before the opening of the landfill (1988), studies highlighted the presence of noxious substances, in the ground layers, and not in the groundwater. Goal of our research is to monitor the health levels of the population in an area, with attention to long/midterm effects. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We performed the analysis on data of the National Institute of Statistics death records, and produced indirect standardized rates (SMR) using the rates of Local Healthcare Agencies (ASL) of Novara and Vercelli as reference population. RESULTS: We found various excesses in the population of the two municipalities, in particular for age 0-44 and congenital malformations but also for urogenital and gastrointestinal tumors that have been linked in letterature to housing in dump prossimity. CONCLUSIONS: Further analysis of morbidity and inferential studies will help to define the health status in the area. Such a study will possible help to reduce the greater risks and meet the demands of better public health policy.

[A geographical and epidemiological analysis of cancer incidence in the city of Vercelli, Italy, 2002-2009]. / Analisi geografica ed epidemiologica dell'incidenza oncologica in un comune italiano del nord ovest: Vercelli anni 2002-2009.

The idea of conducting a geographical analysis of cancer incidence in Vercelli, a city with about 46,000 population in the Province of Vercelli (Piedmont, northern Italy), originated from the need to respond to concerns of the population and local administrators regarding the presence of a solid waste incinerator just a few kilometers from the city, and the ongoing intense agricultural activity in the area. The study also aimed to verify the excess risk identified in a similar study on mortality. We obtained census data and mortality data for the years 2002 to 2009, from the Italian Institute of Statistics (ISTAT) and analysed these from both an epidemiological point of view, through standardised mortality rates, and spatial analysis through the use of Bayesian models. Both approaches highlighted an overall increased risk for cancers and increased risks for colorectal and lung cancer, in persons residing south of the capital. They also identified an increased cancer risk in the young adult population of both sexes, which deserves further investigation.

An Italian population-based case-control study on the association between farming and cancer: Are pesticides a plausible risk factor?

This population-based case-control study investigated the association between farming (a proxy for pesticide exposure) and cancer in the Vercelli suburban area (northwest Italy). The residents, aged 25 to 79 years, in the above-mentioned area during the period 2002-2009 were considered. Cases were all the first hospital admissions for cancer. Controls were all the subjects not included in the cases and not excluded from the study. Cases and controls were classified according to whether they occupationally resulted farmers or nonfarmers during the period 1965-2009. Cancer odds ratios (ORs) between farmers and nonfarmers were calculated with generalized linear mixed models adjusted by gender and age. Farmers showed higher odds for all cancers (OR=1.459; p < .001), nonmelanoma skin cancer, colorectal cancer, and breast cancer. The results suggest a plausible association between pesticide exposure and cancer occurrence.

[Morbidity for congenital malformations. From 2005 to 2009 in Vercelli and neighboring countries]. / Morbosità per malformazioni congenite. Dal 2005 al 2009 a Vercelli e paesi limitrofi.

Special attention is now placed in the diagnosis of congenital malformations, MC, and several recent studies attest to the role of indicators of injury is inherent is extrinsic to the environmental component. In the Vercelli area recognize different sources of environmental pressure can result in damage potential direct and indirect effects on community residents; about, identify plants with high environmental impact on health including a MSW incinerator off in March 2014. The study refers to the morbidity derived from SDO from 2005 to 2009 than the specific rates ASL VC. The main concern the excess female for the area south and central ages 50-69 years old for the rest of the areas considered. Worthy of investigation is the excess of males in the group 5-19 years. Events have been of important insights, but in light of its limitations is certainly worth a discussion in terms expansion is as period of observation that as more data sources for the precise and reliable diagnosis of CD.

Cancer morbidity of residents living near an oil refinery plant in North-West Italy.

Cerano is a municipality of the Province of Novara (North-West Italy). To assess the morbidity associated to its proximity to a petrochemical plant, standardized incidence ratios (SIRs) of oncological pathologies in the period 2003-2009 were calculated based on age-sex specific rates for the district of the Local Health Authority of Novara (ASL13) and the main regional city of Turin. For all cancers combined, men showed a significant higher risk (SIR: 1.21; 95% CI: 1.02-1.40) compared to the ASL13 population; significantly lower risks for both men and women were observed in comparison to the Turin population. Among women, a significant excess of mesothelioma cancers was reported; a significantly higher risk for lympho-haematopoietic pathologies was also observed compared to the Turin population only. Several other cancers have significantly lower rates in Cerano for both men and women. Despite some studies' limitations, these findings could suggest potential chemical risk factors and need further investigation.

[Mortality among the population living near the municipal solid waste landfill site in Barengo (Italy)]. / Studio Epidemiologico nel Comune di Barengo e nei Comuni circondariali sede di una cava di RSU: analisi della mortalità generale e per causa dal 2000 al 2009.

A municipal solid waste landfill site is present in Barengo (northern Italy). The site is located in the centre of an area that includes eight towns: Barengo, Cavaglietto, Momo, Cavaglio, Briona, Vaprio and Fara Sizzano. The total population of the area is 11,122. The authors carried out an analysis of routine mortality data in order to identify any excess mortality in the area. Standardised mortality ratios by sex and cause of death were calculated. The Piemonte regional population and the population of the province of Novara were used as standard populations. Overall mortality data for the years 2000 to 2009 showed excess mortality in both sexes for cardiovascular disease, gastrointestinal disease, nervous system and respiratory system disorders. The frequency of Alzheimer's disease, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis and certain tumours should be monitored.