Cancer du rein et expositions au trichloroéthylène : les valeurs limites d’exposition professionnelle françaises en vigueur sont-elles adaptées ?

Abstract

Background Several studies have investigated the association between trichloroethylene (TCE) exposure and renal cell cancer (RCC) but findings were inconsistent. The analysis of a case control study has shown an increased risk of RCC among subjects exposed to high cumulative exposure. The aim of this complementary analysis is to assess the relevance of current exposure limits regarding a potential carcinogenic effect of TCE on kidney. Methods Eighty-six cases and 316 controls matched for age and gender were included in the study. Successive jobs and working circumstances were described using a detailed occupational questionnaire. An average level of exposure to TCE was attributed to each job-period in turn. The main occupational exposures described in the literature as increasing the risk of RCC were assessed as well as non-occupational factors. A conditional logistic regression was performed to test the association between TCE and RCC risk. Three exposure levels were studied (average exposure during the eight-hour shift): 35 ppm, 50 ppm and 75 ppm. Potential confounding factors identified were taken into account at the threshold limit of 10% ( p = 0.10) (body mass index [BMI], tobacco smoking, occupational exposures to cutting fluids and to other oils). Results Adjusted for tobacco smoking and BMI, the odd-ratios associated with exposure to TCE were respectively 1.62 [0.77–3.42], 2.80 [1.12–7.03] and 2.92 [0.85–10.09] at the thresholds of 35 ppm, 50 ppm and 75 ppm. Among subjects exposed to cutting fluids and TCE over 50 ppm, the OR adjusted for BMI, tobacco smoking and exposure to other oils was 2.70 [1.02–7.17]. Conclusion Results from the present study as well as those provided in the international literature suggest that current French occupational exposure limits for TCE are too high regarding a possible risk of RCC.