Gas stations are often located near residential areas, but harmful substances can be released into the air when gasoline is pumped into the stations’ storage tanks.
According to researchers, benzene is of particular concern. Benzene is found in gasoline and has previously been linked to leukemia.
The new study, published in the journal Environmental Pollution and reported by HealthDay, is based on data from more than 824,000 children born in Quebec, Canada.
Differences between areas
Researchers also found differences between areas with and without specific environmental regulations.
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In some places, gas stations are required to use systems that capture gasoline vapors during refueling.
According to the University of Montreal, the risk was lower in areas where these systems were in place.
The researchers therefore believe that such regulations may help protect children from harmful substances in the air.
At the same time, the study highlights how the environment surrounding children may play a significant role in the development of cancer.
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Risk increases with proximity
The results showed that children living less than 250 meters from a gas station had a higher risk of cancer than other children.
The risk was greatest among children living within 100 meters of a gas station. In this group, the risk of leukemia was significantly higher, according to the study.
However, the researchers stress that the study does not prove that gas stations directly cause cancer. It only shows a clear association between distance and disease.
Sources: HealthDay and Environmental Pollution.
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