A systematic review of the cancer risks and industrial contamination in freshwater resources in China

Abstract

Objectives To evaluate the association between exposures to the main chemical contaminants released by the industry in freshwater and the rise in cancer cases among the population in China.

Methods A systematic review was undertaken of the scientific literature compiled in the MEDLINE (via PubMed©), Google scholar, Web of Knowledge. The descriptors used were "cancer", "water pollution”, “industry” and “chemical", limited to studies that relevant to the research questions. Articles selected were of any type in English, from the inception of the indexing of the primary source until July 28th of 2013. With the quantitative data, Health impact assessment formulas are developed and then applied to subsequent data to make estimate.

Results The search generated 306 articles, from which 10 were selected after applying the inclusion and exclusion criteria. The analysis of freshwater contaminants that attributed to industry in this review included aromatic amine, vinyl chloride, benzene, hexavalent Chromium, dioxin, and others of industrial origin. The majority of the studies find a significant link between exposure to drinking water contaminants and the increase in cancer cases, especially in the rural areas. In some of the studied populations a significant dose-response relationship was observed.

Discussion After reviewing the included studies and the estimation of health impact assessment, I concluded that the association between cancer risks and industrial contamination in freshwater resources in China does indeed exist. While there are several other factors that interact the cancer risks, such as agriculture related water pollution and rapid growth of population. Taking into account that most of the articles were located in western countries, more Chinese studies are required in order to know the effect of freshwater contamination on cancer risks, in particular among those who lived in rural industry area.

Conclusion This study provides the first estimated health impacts based on the relationship between industrial freshwater pollution and cancer risks, supporting decision makers to formulate public health recommendations to ensure a safer and healthier environment in the future. However, further study is critically needed for the prevention of this form of contamination.