Epidemiological study in an area contaminated by chromium, arsenic, mercury and boron in Tuscany region

The Cecina river valley, in Tuscany, is characterized by environmental chromium contamination; Cr(VI) concentrations in ground and surface waters exceeds the WHO limit for drinking water. Boron, arsenic, mercury contaminations, of natural or industrial origin,pesticides use, and waste landfilling are causes of community concern. Statistically significant mortality excesses resulted for circulatory diseases in men(Obs=1788, SMR=1.06) and women (Obs=2111, SMR=1.10), colon cancer in women (Obs=44, SMR=1.38), stomach cancer in men (Obs=42, SMR=1.43). Statistically significant hospitalization excesses resulted for respiratory diseases in men (Obs=585, SHR=1.15), chronic respiratory diseases in women (Obs=88, SHR=1.71), digestive diseases in men (Obs=766, SHR=1.13) and women (Obs=565, SHR=1.13),lynphohematopoietic diseases in women (Obs=217, SHR=1.15). The results are useful to plan advanced environmental and epidemiological studies, to open dialogue with local representatives, to promote future remediation activities and to enforce recommendations