Work Exposures to Animal Neurocarcinogens

Abstract

The initiation of brain tumors has been demonstrated in animals exposed to industrial chemicals, results which have not been demonstrated in humans. This report describes the National Occupation Exposure Survey conducted by the National Institute of Occupational Safety and Health during the years 1981-1983, which included information about 16 known and suspected animal neurocarcinogens. Acrylonitrile, ethylene oxide, and 1-H-benzotriazole had national exposure estimates of more than 50,000 workers. The health services industry had the largest number of workers potentially exposed to a single agent and the most diverse exposures in the workplace. These data provide some evidence for the pattern and presence of animal neurocarcinogens in the occupational environment and provide a basis on which to begin to develop occupational exposure tools and to prioritize further research.