The 130th Annual Meeting of APHA

Abstract #50197

Kathleen Cunningham, PhD, Environmental Research Area, Abt Associates, 55 Wheeler St., Cambridge, MA 02138, (617) 349-2776, kathleen_cunningham@abtassoc.com

Evaluation of the correlation between cancer and environmental pollution is complex and requires characterization, mapping, and interpretation of chemical exposures from numerous sources. While it is not possible to fully characterize individual exposures, average population exposures and risks can be evaluated and mapped in relation to cancer rates. Ecological studies of this type usually require extensive time and resources to aggregate and interpret the necessary data. This research used the Risk Screening Environmental Indicators (RSEI) model under development and other pollutant data to evaluate correlations between pollutant risk estimates and standardized incidence ratios (SIR) for breast cancer in Massachusetts. RSEI provides relative carcinogenic risk values for all permitted releases of Toxics Release Inventory (TRI) chemicals (over 600 chemicals) through integration of release data with pollutant dispersion modeling, demographic overlays, and cancer potency assessments. The use of RSEI as an epidemioligical tool is being piloted in Massachusetts for breast cancer. It may be useful in identifying geographic areas with potentially high cancer risks. Using a geographic information system (GIS)-based correlation analysis of the SIR and RSEI data, supplemented with additional state pollution data, it demonstrates the utility of the new models for efficient preliminary evaluation of the impacts of many pollutants on cancer rates. This approach can function as a relatively simple and cost-effective surveillance tool for identification of areas requiring more in depth analysis.

Learning Objectives: At the conclusion of this session, the participant will be able to

• Understand the Risk Screening Environmental Indicators tool
• Evaluate some applications of this tool in epidemiology and other health areas
• Apply this knowledge to study health problems such as cancer in their geographic area.

Keywords: Breast Cancer, Epidemiology

Presenting author's disclosure statement:
I do not have any significant financial interest/arrangement or affiliation with any organization/institution whose products or services are being discussed in this session.