Texas study suggests link between pollution, cancer
Reuters
Thursday, January 18, 2007; 10:13 PM
HOUSTON (Reuters) - A University of Texas study found a possible link between childhood leukemia and living close to the city's refinery row along the Houston Ship Channel, one of the study's co-authors said on Thursday.
The study found that living within two miles of elevated levels of 1,3-butadiene around the ship channel's petrochemical complex was associated with a 56 percent increased incidence of childhood acute lymphocytic leukemia compared with those living more than 10 miles away, according to a statement from the city of Houston, which financed the study.
REPORTER'S QUERY The Washington Post is looking for challenging medical cases--ones that have been resolved but in which the patient's symptoms were puzzling to doctors or suggested an immediate diagnosis that would have been wrong.
Patients must have medical records documenting their care, and must be willing to share them with a reporter. Please include day and evening phone numbers and an e-mail address. E-mail medicalmysteries@washpost.com with your name and details. Please put "Medical Mystery" in the subject line.In Depth
AIDS/HIVVirus that causes AIDS passes between U.S. and Mexico. 
Young Lives at RiskExplore the epidemic of childhood obesity, and learn what's being done to stop it. 
All About PlasticsPlastics changed our world. But are we trading safety for convenience? 
Staph InfectionsThe latest patient information on methicillin-resistant staph infections and how to avoid them.
 
Your Co-Workers Like McSteamy?
We can help you find the right work environment with competitive benefits. Nursing, Allied Health: Get a New Job
|
"When we looked at distance from the ship channel we find data that suggests there is an association with chemicals in the air and childhood leukemia," said Ann Coker, professor of epidemiology at the University of Texas School of Public Health in Houston.
Houston Mayor Bill White said the city would use the study to support efforts to reduce pollution from petrochemical plants.
"The science supports our claim that reducing hazardous air pollutants must be a high priority for Houston," White said in a statement.
White has used the threat of tougher enforcement of anti-pollution laws to win agreements from petrochemical plants to reduce pollution.
The substance 1,3-butadiene is used to make petrochemicals like ethylene.
