Combustion gases linked to childhood cancers

EXPOSURE soon after birth, or even before, to combustion gases, particularly engine exhaust, is strongly linked to the development of childhood cancers like leukaemia, according to a report. "These results confirm the relative proximity of child cancer births to substance-specific hotspots from oil-based emissions, and to industrial sites known to discharge such materials," Dr E. G. Knox from the University of Birmingham, reports. Knox linked emission hot- spots for specific chemicals, from maps available on the Internet maps, to the birth addresses of children who later died from leukaemia or other cancers before their 16th birthday. An excess risk of childhood cancer was noted in hotspots for a variety of chemicals, including carbon monoxide, nitrogen oxides and 1,3-butadiene. Knox notes that these chemicals, which are largely produced by engine exhausts, were powerful predictors of childhood cancer.