Built environment and cancers - Arc our homes safe?

Abstract

In Nigeria, some of the environmental factors that may predispose to cancer risk are- unsafe water supplies, untreated sewage, silage, industrial effluents and emissions. Household hazardous wastes (e.g. batteries, paints, Cytotoxic / genotoxic drugs, etc.), use of cooking fuels (e.g. firewood, charcoal and kerosene), roasted foods, and diesel/petrol generators contribute to cancer causing chemicals particularly polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAH), benzene derived byproducts, heavy metals etc. in the immediate vicinity of the households irrespective of socioeconomic status of the population. These agents spread the cancer causing chemicals into the environment both outer and built environment. Other emerging issues are the water disinfectant chemicals, arsenic, hormones and drug residues, PAH, dioxins and furans which are proven carcinogens. In addition, leachates (liquid effluents) from the waste dumpsites find their way into terrestrial and aquatic ecosystems and return to human body through food chain. Ecosystems are degraded resulting in biodiversity loss and bioaccumulation of toxic substances. In Niger Delta region, oil spillage and gas flaring activities have been causing morbidity among women and children. Changing lifestyle also plays a role in cancer increase as evident from colorectal cancers. Cancer of the lung, skin, and prostate were more reported from Niger Delta region than other areas in south-west. More evidence is shifting towards the environment as a major cause in cancer incidence. The Nations' tertiary Institutions lack adequate facilities to detect some of the environmental chemicals which may be suspected carcinogens. There is need to strengthen Research & Development activities in Environmental Toxicology and move ahead in line with the emerging environmental threats to health particularly, cancers.