Motorized Traffic and Risk of Childhood Leukaemia
Children with Cancer UK
University of Modena and Reggio Emilia
This research project aims to assess the association between exposure to chemicals emitted by motorized traffic and industry emissions and childhood leukaemia onset. Specifically, we plan to carry out measurements of motorized traffic contaminant exposure through laboratory analyses of these pollutants and their metabolites in blood, urine, and hair samples of children newly-diagnosed with leukaemia at the Paediatric Haematology/Oncology Clinics of the Parma, Modena and Catania University Hospitals (n=100) along with sex- and age-matched controls (n=100) in 2019-21. The overall metabolomics pattern potentially induced by these air pollutants will also be assessed. We will focus on contaminants that are established or suspected carcinogens, including benzene, 1,3-butadiene, and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) together with heavy metals and metalloids, to clarify the role of these substances, and their mixtures, in the aetiology of childhood leukaemia. We will eventually seek to confirm exposure to motorized traffic by direct measurements through the installation of benzene and PM sensoring systems within the vicinity of the subjects residential houses. Moreover, we will assess potential lifestyle risk factors (including diet, smoking habits and occupation) through the administration of questionnaires to the children and their parents.
2.2 Factors relating to physical environment