An environmental epidemiological study based on the stream sediment geochemistry of the Salerno province (Campania region, Southern Italy)

An epidemiological environmental study was carried out on the Salerno province territory in the Southern Italy. Epidemiological data reporting the Standardized Incidence Ratio (SIR) of various cancer types in the local population and the distribution of some toxic metals in the stream sediments of the whole province were investigated to assess if any correlation between them could be stated. Results showed that in correspondence with the areas markedly contaminated by heavy metals, there is a good spatial correlation between the incidence of some cancer types and the distribution patterns of contaminants. Specifically, in the Sarno River plain, where heavy metals are concentrated in sediments, cancer of lungs, liver and prostate always show values of SIRs generally higher than the most of the remaining provincial territory. The distribution of lung cancer shows a noticeable spatial correlation also with the distribution of the natural radioactivity especially across the Sarno River plain and its surroundings.