Mortality analysis by neighbourhood in a city with high levels of industrial air pollution

Objectives

Taranto, a city in south-eastern Italy, suffers serious environmental pollution from industrial sources. A previous cohort analysis found mortality excesses among neighbourhoods closest to industrial areas. Aim of this study was to investigate whether mortality also increased in other neighbourhoods compared to Apulia region.

Methods

Standardized mortality ratios were computed. Number of deaths and of person-years at risk by neighbourhood came from the previous cohort study for 1998–2008 period. Reference population was Apulia region excluding Taranto province. A meta-analysis was conducted across less close neighbourhoods computing summary SMR estimates and evaluating heterogeneity.

Results

For the entire city higher mortality values are confirmed for all causes, all malignant neoplasms and several specific sites, neurological, cardiac, respiratory and digestive diseases. High mortality values are not confined to neighbourhoods closest to industrial areas for lung cancer, cardiac, respiratory and digestive diseases, in both sexes, and among women for all malignant neoplasms and pancreatic cancer.

Conclusions

Increased mortality risks can also be observed in Taranto neighbourhoods not directly adjacent to industrial areas. Spatial trend, impact of socio-economic factors and duration of residence should be further explored.