Cancer 'hot spots' in Florida may be associated with hazardous waste sites

https://www.eurekalert.org/pub_releases/2017-03/uom-cs030617.php

Public Release: 6-Mar-2017
Cancer 'hot spots' in Florida may be associated with hazardous waste sites
Researchers find 'mild association' between cancer rates, Superfund sites
University of Missouri-Columbia

Studies have shown that hazardous waste sites have the potential to adversely affect human health and disrupt ecological systems. Florida has the sixth highest number of hazardous waste sites, known as Superfund sites, in the United States. In 2016, the state was projected to have the second largest number of new cancer cases in the country. Researchers from the University of Missouri School of Medicine and the University of Florida studied cancer incidence rates in relation to Superfund sites and found a possible association. Researchers believe this discovery could help direct public health efforts in the state.

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"The findings show spatial differences -- as well as gender differences -- across Florida in adult cancer incidences," Leary said. "This work is novel because it is another piece of evidence to support an environmental cause of cancer. While it would be premature to say these differences are attributed to Superfund sites, there does appear to be an association. More research is needed to determine what this relationship is and why it exists, but identifying that a difference exists is a necessary first step."

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