ASBESTOS-RELATED LUNG-CANCER MORTALITY IN PIEDMONT, ITALY

This study investigates the association between pleural neoplasm morta lity, a possible proxy for asbestos exposure, and lung cancer mortalit y among males resident in Piedmont (northwestern Italy). Pleural neopl asm mortality was estimated in the 1,209 municipalities of the region for the period 1980-1992, applying Bayesian methods. The association w ith lung cancer mortality for municipalities was studied using Poisson regression. Urban/rural indicators and altitude were also included in the analysis. A positive, statistically significant association was f ound between pleural neoplasm and lung cancer mortality (beta = 0.025, P < 0.001); lung cancer risk was associated also with urban status (v s, rural, beta = 0.223, P < 0.001) and altitude (P = 0.01). The propor tion of lung cancer deaths attributable to living in municipalities wi th increased pleural neoplasm mortality was 3.9% (95% confidence inter val, 2.1-5.7%). The observed association and the presence of a dose-re sponse relationship at the municipality level underscore the dangers o f asbestos for human health. (C) 1998 Wiley-Liss, Inc.