Nitrates in drinking water and the risk of death from brain cancer: does hardness in drinking water matter

Ho, CK; Yang, YH; Yang, CY

HERO ID

918709

Reference Type

Journal Article

Year

2011

Language

English

PMID

21541877

HERO ID 918709
In Press No
Year 2011
Title Nitrates in drinking water and the risk of death from brain cancer: does hardness in drinking water matter
Authors Ho, CK; Yang, YH; Yang, CY
Journal Journal of Toxicology and Environmental Health, Part A: Current Issues
Volume 74
Issue 12
Page Numbers 747-756
Abstract The objectives of this study were to (1) examine the relationship between nitrate levels in public water supplies and risk of death from brain cancer and (2) determine whether calcium (Ca) and magnesium (Mg) levels in drinking water might modify the influence of nitrates on development of brain cancer. A matched cancer case-control study was used to investigate the relationship between the risk of death from brain cancer and exposure to nitrates in drinking water in Taiwan. All brain cancer deaths of Taiwan residents from 2003 through 2008 were obtained from the Bureau of Vital Statistics of the Taiwan Provincial Department of Health. Controls were deaths from other causes and were pair-matched to cancer cases by gender, year of birth, and year of death. Information on the levels of nitrate-nitrogen (NO₃-N), Ca, and Mg in drinking water was obtained from Taiwan Water Supply Corporation (TWSC). The municipality of residence for cancer cases and controls was presumed to be the source of the subject's NO₃-N, Ca, and Mg exposure via drinking water. Relative to individuals whose NO₃-N exposure level was <0.38 ppm, the adjusted OR (95% CI) for brain cancer occurrence was 1.04 (0.85-1.27) for individuals who resided in municipalities served by drinking water with a NO₃-N exposure ≥ 0.38 ppm. No marked effect modification was observed due to Ca and Mg intake via drinking water on brain cancer occurrence.
Doi 10.1080/15287394.2011.539143
Pmid 21541877
Wosid WOS:000290408600001
Is Certified Translation No
Dupe Override No
Is Public Yes
Language Text English
Is Qa No