Case-control study of the effects of trihalomethanes on urinary bladder cancer risk

Abstract

In this research, the authors examined the relation between the estimated concentrations in drinking water of disinfectant byproduct (DBP) trihalomethanes (THMs) and the risk for urinary bladder cancer in a case-control study of 567 white men aged 35 to 90 years, in western New York State. They used logistic regression to estimate odds ratios (ORS) and to assess the effects of THM consumption on cancer risk. Higher levels of consumption of THMs led to increased risk for cancer of the urinary bladder (total 551, a composite measure of THMs based upon method 551 developed by the US Environmental Protection Agency: OR = 2.34; 95% confidence interval [CI] = 1.01-3.66). Results were most significant for bromoform (OR = 3.05; 95% CI = 1.51-5.69), and risk was highest (OR = 5.85; 95% CI = 1.93-17.46) for those who consumed the greatest amount of water at points within the distribution system with the oldest postdisinfected tap water.