Exposure to low levels of ionizing radiation and lung cancer risk in Florida

Conference · Mon Sep 01 04:00:00 EDT 1986 · Am. J. Epidemiol.; (United States)

OSTI ID:6518296

Stockwell, H G; Lyman, G H; Waltz, J

The phosphate deposits of central Florida contain levels of uranium and its daughter products 30-60 times greater than average soils. A case-control study was conducted to assess the risk of lung cancer associated with living on these phosphateic soils. Using the records of the state-wide Florida Cancer Data System to address this issue, all cases of lung cancer among Florida residents in 1981 were identified (n = 7049). Information was obtained regarding residence, age, sex, race, and smoking habits. Controls consisted of 6643 individuals with cancers of the colon or rectum. Residents of the central Florida phosphate region experienced a significant increase in lung cancer risk compared to other Florida residents (odds ratio (OR) = 1.4). Excess risks appeared concentrated among squamous cell cancer (OR = 1.6) and small cell cancer (OR = 1.6). When smoking habits as well as residential area was considered, no significant excess risk, associated with residence, was observed among nonsmokers or light smokers. Area residents smoking a pack or more per day experienced a 70% increase in lung cancer risk compared to individuals smoking a similar amount but living elsewhere. Highest risks were observed among persons with squamous cell cancer (OR = 2.1) and small cell cancer (OR = 2.5) who smoked more than 40 cigarettes a day. Results suggest exposure to low levels of ionizing radiation increases the lung cancer risk of residents of this area.

• Research Organization: Univ. of South Florida, Tampa
• OSTI ID: 6518296
• Report Number(s): CONF-860694-
• Conference Information: Journal Name: Am. J. Epidemiol.; (United States) Journal Volume: 124:3
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

560151* -- Radiation Effects on Animals-- Man
63 RADIATION, THERMAL, AND OTHER ENVIRON. POLLUTANT EFFECTS ON LIVING ORGS. AND BIOL. MAT.
ACTINIDE COMPOUNDS
ACTINIDES
ANIMALS
BIOLOGICAL EFFECTS
BODY
CHRONIC EXPOSURE
DISEASE INCIDENCE
DISEASES
ELEMENTS
EPIDEMIOLOGY
FEDERAL REGION IV
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HEALTH HAZARDS
INJURIES
IONIZING RADIATIONS
LUNGS
MAMMALS
MAN
METALS
MINERALS
NEOPLASMS
NORTH AMERICA
ORGANS
OXYGEN COMPOUNDS
PHOSPHATE MINERALS
PHOSPHATES
PHOSPHORUS COMPOUNDS
PRIMATES
RADIATIONS
RESPIRATORY SYSTEM
URANIUM
URANIUM COMPOUNDS
URANIUM PHOSPHATES
USA
VERTEBRATES