Proximity to Oil Refineries and Risk of Cancer: A Population-Based Analysis

Abstract

Background The association between proximity to oil refineries and cancer rate is largely unknown. We sought to compare the rate of cancer (bladder, breast, colon, lung, lymphoma, and prostate) according to proximity to an oil refinery in the State of Texas. Methods A total of 6,302,265 persons aged ≥20 years resided within 30 miles from an oil refinery from 2010-2014. We used multilevel zero-inflated Poisson regression models to examine the association between proximity to an oil refinery and cancer rate. Results We observed proximity to an oil refinery was associated with a statistically significantly increased risk of incident cancer diagnosis across all cancer types. For example, persons residing within 0-10 (Risk Ratio (RR) = 1.13, 95% Confidence Interval (CI) = 1.07-1.19) and 11-20 (RR = 1.05, 95% CI = 1.00-1.11) miles were statistically significantly more likely to be diagnosed with lymphoma than individuals who lived within 21-30 miles from an oil refinery. We also observed differences in stage of cancer at diagnosis according to proximity to an oil refinery. Moreover, persons residing within 0-10 miles were more likely to be diagnosed with distant metastasis and/or systemic disease than people residing 21-30 miles from an oil refinery. The greatest risk of distant disease was observed in patients diagnosed with bladder cancer living within 0-10 vs. 21-30 miles (RR = 1.30, 95% CI = 1.02-1.65), respectively. Conclusions Proximity to an oil refinery was associated with an increased risk of multiple cancer types. We also observed statistically significantly increased risk of regional and distant/metastatic disease according to proximity to an oil refinery.

Exposure to Agent Orange and Risk of Bladder Cancer Among US Veterans

“…Moreover, given the increasing number of Agent Orange–related diseases, routine urinalysis and subsequent workup and/or screening may be initiated and may lead to earlier detection and less-advanced bladder cancer disease. We were unable to control for a possible dose-response relationship regarding Agent Orange exposure; prior studies have shown that an increased risk of bladder cancer aggressiveness may be associated with a higher concentration of and/or a close proximity to toxin exposure . Thus, the latency period (ie, Vietnam era) and weak dose-response relationship may be associated with our observed decreased likelihood of aggressive bladder cancer among veterans exposed to Agent Orange.…”

“…We were unable to control for a possible doseresponse relationship regarding Agent Orange exposure; prior studies have shown that an increased risk of bladder cancer aggressiveness may be associated with a higher concentration of and/or a close proximity to toxin exposure. 27,28 Thus, the latency period (ie, Vietnam era) and weak dose-response relationship may be associated with our observed decreased likelihood of aggressive bladder cancer among veterans exposed to Agent Orange. Despite being in an equal-access setting, Black veterans had increased odds of muscle-invasive bladder cancer at diagnosis compared with White veterans.…”

Development and demonstration of a data visualization platform of short‐term guidelines for ambient air levels of benzene during disaster response in Houston, Texas

“…Fenceline communities are often affected by unplanned industrial emission events, in addition to chronic low‐level exposure. There is growing evidence that communities living near petrochemical industries have a greater risk of cancer (Jephcote & Mah, 2019; Williams et al, 2020) and higher prevalence of other harmful health impacts, including increased asthma and adverse effects on reproductive outcomes (Marques et al, 2020). Of the numerous air pollutants commonly associated with the petrochemical industry, benzene is of particular concern given its toxicity and ubiquity.…”

Editorial Comment

“…Williams et al reported that proximity to an oil refinery was also associated with a statistically significantly increased risk of incident cancer diagnosis across all cancer types. 1 Patients diagnosed with bladder cancer living within 0−10 versus 21−30 miles of an oil refinery were also at increased risk for distant disease (relative risk=1.3) after adjusting for various demographic and socioeconomic variables. 1…”

“…1 Patients diagnosed with bladder cancer living within 0−10 versus 21−30 miles of an oil refinery were also at increased risk for distant disease (relative risk=1.3) after adjusting for various demographic and socioeconomic variables. 1…”