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Leukemia: The price of living close to an oil refinery?
Swedish scientists have discovered a remarkable increase in the incidence of leukemia in people living close to an oil refinery.
Lysekil is one of the largest and most modern oil refineries in Europe. Yet, during the past 10 years, communities downwind of the refinery had twice as many cases of leukemia as would be expected based on the refinery's low emissions.
But, without further research, the study's authors can only guess as to why the rates vary so much from risk estimates. It could be due to the emissions, an unknown factor or chance.
A number of scientific studies have raised concerns over cancer risks associated with living close to a refinery. This is the first study to compile and analyze information about cancer incidence in a large Swedish population who live near an oil refinery.
Refineries release organic compounds that can cause cancer. For example, the chemical benzene is associated with an increased risk of leukemia.