Pollution during pregnancy is linked to childhood cancer

http://www.healthsentinel.com/news.p...st_item&id=543

Jeremy Laurance, "Pollution during pregnancy is linked to childhood
cancer", Independent, January 17, 2005,
Link:
http://news.independent.co.uk/uk/hea...p?story=601500

Women who breathe air polluted with smoke and exhaust fumes are up to
four times more likely to have children who develop cancer, a study
shows. Research at the University of Birmingham suggests atmospheric
pollution from oil-fired furnaces and vehicle exhausts may be the
principal cause of childhood cancer.

By linking pollution "hot spots" round the country with the incidence
of cancer, the findings show that pregnant women and those about to
conceive who live near factories, power stations or major road
junctions are at greatest risk.

The study, in the Journal of Epidemiology and Community Health, will
fuel speculation about the causes of childhood cancer which have
baffled scientists for decades.

Cancer is a defect of cell division associated with ageing, but studies
in children with leukaemia have shown that cancer cells are present
from birth, suggesting the origins of the disease may lie in the womb.
Heredity, radiation and viruses are among the suggested causes.

Some experts say childhood leukaemia, the commonest childhood cancer,
is increasing, though the claim is disputed. If a rise in childhood
cancer is confirmed, the increase in vehicle pollution could be a
cause.

George Knox, emeritus professor of epidemiology, who made the study,
said: "Most childhood cancers are probably initiated by close perinatal
encounters with one or more of these high emission sources. The low
atmospheric levels of these substances suggest the mother may breathe
them in, with carcinogens passing across the placenta."

He added that "direct exposures in early infancy, or through breast
milk, or even pre-conceptually, cannot be excluded."

Professor Knox compared a map showing chemical emissions for the UK
prepared by the National Atmospheric Emissions Laboratory with details
of all children who died of leukaemia and other cancers before their
16th birthday between 1966 and 1980.

The scientist said: "The evidence from this set of data is that these
exposures account for half or more of cancers in childhood. This needs
to be pursued with further research and we need to separate people from
the sources of pollution and to reduce toxic emissions."