Ingested arsenic, keratoses, and bladder cancer

Am J Epidemiol. 1992 Aug 15;136(4):417-21. doi: 10.1093/oxfordjournals.aje.a116514.

Abstract

A cohort of 478 patients treated with Fowler's solution (potassium arsenite) in Lancashire, England, during the period 1945-1969 and previously followed until January 1, 1980, was followed for an additional 11 years. A significant excess of bladder cancer mortality occurred (observed/expected ratio = 5/1.6; p = 0.05). No excess was found for other causes of death. In a subcohort of 142 patients examined for signs of arsenicism around 1970, all 11 subsequent cancer deaths occurred in those with signs of arsenicism (p = 0.0009).

MeSH terms

  • Arsenic / adverse effects*
  • Arsenic Poisoning*
  • Arsenites*
  • Cardiovascular Diseases / mortality
  • Cohort Studies
  • Female
  • Follow-Up Studies
  • Humans
  • Keratosis / chemically induced*
  • Male
  • Neoplasms / chemically induced
  • Neoplasms / mortality
  • Potassium / adverse effects*
  • Potassium Compounds*
  • Risk Factors
  • Urinary Bladder Neoplasms / chemically induced
  • Urinary Bladder Neoplasms / mortality*

Substances

  • Arsenites
  • Potassium Compounds
  • potassium arsenite solution
  • Arsenic
  • Potassium