Petroleum causes cancer
Air pollution from petroleum extraction and refining has evidently resulted in dire consequences on human health. Not only many researches validated this assumption but also people who living in proximity with petroleum complex have experienced horrible effects on their health and lives. Now, the findings of a new study reveal grimmer face of the situation once again.
People who work in Petroleum industry or live near petroleum facilities are increasingly at risk of developing cancer, says a new study. The research found an increased risk of mesothelioma, skin melanoma, multiple myeloma, and cancers of the prostate and urinary bladder. Further, it also found a decreased risk of cancers of the oesophagus, stomach, colon, rectum and pancreas.
Cancer risks around petroleum facilities
The study was conducted by International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARCWHO), part of the UN World Health Organization (WHO). The review associated offshore petroleum work with an increased risk of lung cancer and leukaemia. It also identified childhood leukaemia risk in people living close to petroleum facilities.
Scientists in the Environment and Lifestyle Epidemiology Branch carried out 41 cohort studies, 14 case–control studies and two cross-sectional studies. Then, they compiled all the reviews. The findings of the study have been published in the International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health.
More studies needed before generalization
The authors have suggested conduct of more studies to identify more concrete effect of exposure to petroleum on cancer risk. They pointed out the need of more focused studies in under-researched regions where both petroleum production and exposures are high. For more concrete findings, they suggested carrying out of new studies in Africa, Middle East and Asia in synchronized format.
Earlier in 2018, another study found increased cancers among residents who lived in the neighborhood of a petrochemical facility. The 12-year retrospective cohort study reviewed 2,388 residents living in the proximity of a petrochemical complex with coal power plants and refineries. The study aimed at finding out whether these people were more at risk of developing cancer.
Petroleum causes cancer: Earlier studies
Another critical review of cancer epidemiology in the petroleum industry published in year 2000 also validated the assumption of petroleum workers developing cancer. The research was done as a meta-analysis of a combined database of over 350,000 petroleum workers. The workers were based in United States, United Kingdom, Canada, Australia, Finland, Sweden, and Italy.
According to a 2007 study, a considerable number of cosmetic and toiletry products containing petroleum-base may have a cancer-causing impurity i.e. 1,4-Dioxane. The study, done as an computer assessment of 15,000 cosmetics, revealed that 22 percent of all cosmetic and personal care products may contain 1,4-Dioxane and other detergent-like ingredients.
