According to the Greek Health Authorities ,the incidence of cancer fatalities in the heavily industrialized area of Oinofyta region , near Attica, in southern Greece is higher than in the surrounding areas. In this region, the water has repeatedly tested positive for carcinogenic hexavalent chromium. Consequently, according to the scientific estimations the rate of cancer- related deaths is 14 percent higher than deaths from the same cause in Viotia prefecture.
Researchers from Athens University claimed that 118 deaths, one-quarter of the 474 deaths registered in Oinofyta from 1999-2009, were caused by cancer. As the scientists underline, they also identified a large number of deaths caused by rare forms of cancer, such as the cancer of the urinal tract and mouth or lip cancer. According to Athena Linou, the professor of epidemiology who carried out the research, “these forms of cancer are often the result of the environmental pollution and that’s why we claim that there must be a longstanding presence of hexavalent chromium in the water of Oinofyta region.”
The local authorities are now testing and inspecting water samples.
See all the latest news from Greece and the world at Greekreporter.com. Contact our newsroom to report an update or send your story, photos and videos. Follow GR on Google News and subscribe here to our daily email!
