Abstract
A concern often occurs for an increase of infant congenital anomalies due to pollution sources such as nuclear power plant. Our purpose is to provide a reasonable interpretation for variation of infant mortality from congenital anomalies by calendar year and areas. Analysis of standard mortality ratio is mainly based on the 1972-2005 Japanese vital statistic data by 47 prefectures. General infant mortality in Japan continues to decrease but shows a strong positive relationship with that from congenital anomalies, especially after 1988-92. Relative high mortality areas for all combined congenital anomalies is not always same for specified one; circulatory system, others including chromosomal abnormalities. Proportion of circulatory system among the deaths of congenital anomalies became less than 50% after 1993-97. Decrease of observed deaths makes it difficult to understand temporal variation of mortality in small areas but potential risk near a pollution facility is very small in normal operation.
