Understanding the link between gas flaring and increased leukaemia risk

The issue is prevalent in the northern part of Iraq too. A 2022 study published in the Asian Pacific Journal of Cancer Prevention (APJCP) noted that the number of cancer patients in Erbil and Duhok, in northern Iraq’s Kurdistan, doubled between 2013 and 2019, correlating with the resuming of production at oil facilities in the region. Several residents shared their medical records, which showed respiratory problems to cancer. The analysis indicated that the percentage of patients with cancer is projected to increase by more than double in the current decade, from 3,457 cases to 4,547 and 4,449 cases in the Erbil governorate; and from 1,365 to 2,633 and 2,737 cases in 2028 based on LSTM and bi-LTSM analysis in the Duhok governorate.

It mentioned that lung cancer and female breast cancer were the most prominent types of cancers diagnosed since 2013 in both the Erbil and Duhok governorates.

How is flaring connected to cancer? (Source: Pixabay)

What is gas flaring?

Flaring is the technique of burning off surplus petroleum gas by lighting it ablaze in a jet of fire. It is common in facilities that extract or process crude oil and natural gas but the process tends to release hazardous gases into the atmosphere. According to World Bank.org, gas flaring is associated with oil extraction which happens owing to market and economic constraints, as well as lack of appropriate regulation and political will. Black carbon from gas, also called soot, is produced, the World Bank analysis mentioned.

How does it affect people?

Experts suggest that it not only affects the environment but human health too.

“Gas flaring puts a chemical called benzene into the air, which can expose people to health issues like headaches, tremors, and irregular heartbeats, along with cancer,” said Dr Shrey Srivastav, MD (Internal Medicine), Sharda Hospital.

According to Dr Srivastav, black carbon from gas flaring can cause breathing difficulties, respiratory disease, heart disease, and strokes. “Benzene has been shown to cause chromosome changes in bone marrow cells and cause cells not to work correctly. Flaring leads to bone marrow disorder and continued exposure leads to leukaemia and other kinds of cancer also,” Dr Srivastav added.

Concurring that long-term exposure causes bone marrow damage, Dr Tirathram Kaushik, Consultant Oncosurgeon, Wockhardt Hospitals, Mira Road said that those who have been exposed feel progressively weak and fatigued as their red blood cell count drops. “Bruising and bleeding become more prevalent, and healing becomes more difficult,” said Dr Kaushik.

However, Prof Dr Anita Ramesh, senior consultant – Medical Oncology, Apollo Spectra Hospital, Chennai said that “there is no direct impact on blood cancer (leukaemia)”. “While benzene, a known carcinogen, may increase the risk of lung and bladder cancer, there is no direct impact on blood cancer or leukaemia. However, more research is needed to fully understand the risks associated with flaring,” Dr Anita said.

Treatment 

Typically, chemotherapy, radiation therapy, and targeted therapy are used to treat leukaemia. “In certain situations, a stem cell or bone marrow transplant may be recommended. A bone marrow or stem cell transplant may be advised in specific circumstances. The specific treatment approach will depend on several factors, including the type and stage of cancer, the patient’s age and overall health, and other individual factors,” Dr Anita said.

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