Contaminated Drinking Water and Its Effect on Cancer

Abstract

Water contamination is a critical public health issue that has been linked to various adverse health outcomes including cancer. Research has shown that prolonged exposure to certain water contaminants can increase the risk of specific cancers. This study aimed to identify correlations between water contaminants and cancer incidence in Arizona. Cancer incidence data from the Arizona Cancer Registry’s data dashboard and water contamination data from the environmental working group (EWG) were analyzed using Spearman’s correlation. The contaminants studied included chromium, radium, uranium, nitrates, nitrites, arsenic, and disinfection byproducts (DBPs). Positive correlations were found between bladder and pancreatic cancer incidence and various contaminants studied. An association was found between colorectal cancer risk and exposure to radium and uranium in drinking water. Additionally, a statistically significant link was found between DBPs and leukemia. The findings suggest potential health risks associated with water contamination and emphasize the importance of monitoring and regulating drinking water quality to prevent adverse health outcomes.

Water sources contaminated with uranium, radium, DBPs, and other contaminants may increase the risk of leukemia, bladder, pancreatic, and colorectal cancer risk.