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International Archives of Occupational and Environmental Health

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01-03-2009 | Original Article

The relationship between malignant mesothelioma and an asbestos cement plant environmental risk: a spatial case–control study in the city of Bari (Italy)

Authors: Marina Musti, Alessio Pollice, Domenica Cavone, Silvano Dragonieri, Massimo Bilancia

Published in: International Archives of Occupational and Environmental Health | Issue 4/2009

Abstract

Objectives

To estimate the mesothelioma risk and environmental asbestos exposure (EAE) due to an asbestos-cement plant.

Methods

A spatial case–control study including 48 malignant mesothelioma (MM) cases occurred in the period 1993–2003 selected from the regional mesothelioma register (RMR) and 273 controls. The disease risk was estimated by means of a logistic-regression model, in which the probability of disease-occurrence is expressed as a function of the classes of distances. A non-parametric method was applied to estimate the full relative risk surface.

Results

Significant MM odds ratio of 5.29 (95 CI: 1.18–23.74) was found for people living within a range up to 500 m centered on the plant. The non-parametric estimation of relative risk surface unveiled a marked peak near the plant not paralleled by the spatial distribution of controls.

Conclusion

Evidence of an association between mesothelioma risk and EAE is highlighted. The role played by the RMR in increasing the public health local authorities awareness is stressed.

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Title: The relationship between malignant mesothelioma and an asbestos cement plant environmental risk: a spatial case–control study in the city of Bari (Italy)
Authors: Marina Musti
Alessio Pollice
Domenica Cavone
Silvano Dragonieri
Massimo Bilancia
Publication date: 01-03-2009
Publisher: Springer-Verlag
Published in: International Archives of Occupational and Environmental Health / Issue 4/2009
Print ISSN: 0340-0131
Electronic ISSN: 1432-1246
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00420-008-0358-5

At a glance: The STEP trials

Springer Medicine

The relationship between malignant mesothelioma and an asbestos cement plant environmental risk: a spatial case–control study in the city of Bari (Italy)

Abstract

Objectives

Methods

Results

Conclusion

At a glance: The STEP trials

Springer Medicine

Abstract

Objectives

Methods

Results

Conclusion

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