Economic activity and congenital anomalies: An ecologic study in Argentina

In this study, we analyze the association between industrial activity and t he occurrence of 34 congenital anomalies. We selected 21 counties in Argent ina during 1982-1994 and examined a total of 614,796 births in these counti es in consecutive series. We used the International Standard Industrial Cla ssification of All Economic Activities (United Nations, 1968) as an indicat or of exposure to 80 specific industrial activities. Incidence rate ratios for each congenital anomaly were adjusted by the socioeconomic level of the county according to a census index of social deprivation. For a given expo sure/anomaly association to be considered as significant and relevant, the exposure had to be a statistically significant risk for the occurrence of t he anomaly and an increase in the birth prevalence rate of the congenital a nomaly type involved had to be observed in those counties where the putativ e causal activity was being performed. Significant associations (p < 0.01) were identified between textile industry and anencephaly, and between the m anufacture of engines and turbines and microcephaly. These observations are consistent with previous reports on occupational exposure, and their furth er investigation by means of case-control studies is recommended.