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Study shows high risk for cancer locally

Area residents have bigger risk of cancer; Edgell says numbers look worse than reality.

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By Tiffany Y. Latta, Staff Writer Updated 7:20 AM Thursday, June 25, 2009

Butler County residents face some of the highest risks in the nation of developing cancer from breathing toxic air pollution, according to an EPA study.

The study released by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency finds the risk in Butler County is 50 in 1 million, higher than the national average of 36 per million. That means locally that if 1 million people breathed the air over their lifetimes, an additional 50 people would be expected to get cancer because of air pollution, in addition to cancer caused by genetics, smoking, diet and other lifestyle factors, according to Ohio EPA toxicologist Paul Koval.

“The numbers we monitor are generally less than what this computer model predicts,” he said. “These risks are very common in industrialized urban areas.”

Ken Edgell, environmental administrative coordinator for the Hamilton County Department of Environmental Services, said the cause for the poor air quality is mostly due to Benzene, a carcinogen found in gasoline. But, he stressed the numbers aren’t as “dramatic” as they appear.

“The EPA cancer risk estimate is based on 24-hour, 365-days-a-year exposure ... for 70 years. So people shouldn’t be alarmed thinking that they’re going to get cancer tomorrow,” Edgell said.

The study analyzed 2002 air emissions data of 180 air toxins from the National-Scale Air Toxics Assessment.

Edgell said air quality in the region has improved since the 2002 study because of added regulations on cars, trucks and industrial plants.

But Shelly Kiser, director of advocacy for the American Lung Association of Ohio, said Ohio remains one of most polluted states in the country.

“A lot of cities in the country are getting control of the situation, (but) Butler County is not making the progress,” she said, citing the economic downturn and lack of funding for environmental protection.

Kiser said she hopes the new $340 million SunCoke Energy plant won’t compound air toxin levels in southwest Ohio, which she said can cause asthma and premature death.

Staff Writers Jessica Heffner and Josh Sweigart contributed to this report.

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Yes Shelly Ohio remains one of the most Polluted States in the Country.You and Ms.Sabbeta are part of the pollution problem. For example this article says the average is 36 in 1 million Ohio is 50 in 1 million. I think that means 14 more people are at risk for cancer not 50.It is these very inaccuracies and exagerations that you spout and support that gives you as much credibility as Nancy Pelosi.Every one lies but you!Yeah Right.

Reverendcrash
10:25 AM, 6/26/2009

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Where is Tracy Sabetta, another paid anti tobacco lobbyist who claimed a smoking ban would clean Ohio air? What some people will do for the almighty dollar <rolling eyes>

kybriar
10:11 AM, 6/26/2009

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NOT TO MENTION....

Where was Kiser and her little "altruistic organization" when all those workers at the brake plant in Mt. Vernon, OH were found to have lung problems a couple of years back.....?

NO WHERE IN SIGHT.

Musician
10:01 AM, 6/26/2009

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And to think Shelly Kiser has made statements against the smokeless, tobaccoless, pollutionless... Electronic cigarette.... on top of it.

Wonders never cease......

Musician
9:57 AM, 6/26/2009

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Hey, lay off Shelly Kiser, she is just earning big bucks as a lobbyist paid to push the BS and we all know how good lobbyists are with a shovel lol

kybriar
9:50 AM, 6/26/2009

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