The impact of chlordane and dieldrin contamination of well water on cancer rates in North Stamford, Connecticut

Abstract

Background: High levels of the carcinogenic organochlorine pesticides chlordane and dieldrin have been reported in the well water of homes in North Stamford. It is unclear if the contamination is associated with an increase in the cancer rate in North Stamford.

Methods: We reviewed the demographics of the towns surrounding North Stamford and chose New Canaan, Wilton, Weston, and Darien as towns with sufficiently similar demographics that would permit comparison of cancer incidence with North Stamford. Data were obtained from the Connecticut Tumor Registry regarding the number of different cancers diagnosed per year from 1998 to 2007 in North Stamford and the four nearby towns. We compared the annual cancer incidence of these communities in total and by cancer types.

Results: There was no statistically significant difference in the average annual cancer incidence from 1998 to 2007 between North Stamford and the four other communities. There was also no statistically significant difference seen in the incidence of the various cancer types.

Conclusion: Chlordane and dieldrin contamination of the well water of homes in North Stamford may not be associated with a higher incidence of cancer.