Spatial distribution of kidney disease in the contaminated site of Taranto (Italy).

Abstract

Exposure to heavy metals has been associated with kidney disease. We investigated the spatial distribution of kidney disease in the industrially contaminated site of Taranto. Cases were subjects with a first hospital discharge diagnosis of kidney disease. Cases affected by specific comorbidities were excluded. Standardized Hospitalization Ratios (SHRs) were computed for low/high exposure area and for modeled spatial distribution of cadmium and fine particulate matter. Using the high/low exposure approach, in subjects aged 20-59 years residing in the high exposure area a significant excess of hospitalization was observed in males and a non-significant excess in females. No excesses were observed in subjects aged 60 years and over. The analysis by the modeling approach did not show a significant association with the greatest pollution impact area. Due to the excesses of hospitalization observed in the high/low exposure approach, a continuing epidemiological surveillance of residents and occupational groups is warranted.