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.

Former Workers of a Bright Electroplating Factory Located in Vercelli: A Cohort Study From 1974 to 2016: Legal Expertise Results.

BACKGROUND: The mortality risk among former workers of a factory with an adjoining galvanic activity has been assessed; several environmental analyses found in the site the presence of nickel and organochlorinated substances. METHODS: The cohort followed by 1974 to 2016 is represented by 899 individuals in which there were 191 deaths: 140 males and 51 females. A risks analysis with elaboration of SMR between observed cases and the expected one referring to Piemonte region rates was performed. RESULTS: The excesses stratified by gender and task have highlighted enhanced cancer risk (especially lung and liver cancers) among men workers. For females, cancer risk is enhanced especially for pancreas, ovary, and total digestive tract cancers. CONCLUSION: The report confirms an increased risk between nickel and lung cancers and organochlorinated and liver cancer.