RISK OF CHILDHOOD LEUKEMIA ASSOCIATED
WITH POLLUTION OF CEMENT PLANT
Liu
J-P，Yu X-Q，Yu S-F
Hospital
of Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region, Hohhot, Inner Mongolia, China
Objective: Chengguanzhen of Qingshuihe County, Inner Mongolia, is a small
town that has only one street running from east to west and mountains on
both its north and south sides. Close to the residential area, at both the
east and west ends, there stand two cement plants, the east one being built
10 years ago and the west one having a history of more than 20 years. In
recent years, a number of childhood leukemia cases have been found among
those who live in the vicinity of the plants. The aim of this investigation
is to find out the cause of childhood leukemia in this area and to ascertain
if childhood leukemia is related to the pollution of the cement plants.
Methods:
1. An epidemiological investigation on leukemia of the past two years is
being conducted in this area; 2. Survey and analysis of chemical elements
and radioactivity in the air, water and soil of the area will be made; 3.
To analyze the chemical elements in the blood and hair of leukemia patients
(both the newly discovered ones and the survivals) in contrast with those
of normal people.
Results: According
to preliminary investigation, 21 leukemia cases have been found in the
vicinity of the two cement plants in the past 2 years, 15 of the patients
are childhood leukemia, accounting for 71.4%.
Conclusion: According to the preliminary study, childhood leukemia in the
area might be significantly associated with the pollution of the cement
plants. The investigation is still in progress.