Cancer In Workers Research Articles

Возможные критерии установления диагноза профессионального рака легкого у работников урановых шахт

Purpose: Search of possible criteria of the diagnosis of occupational lung cancer in workers of uranium mines on the basis of the analysis of literary data.
 Material and methods: The analysis of literary data with the purpose of allocation of possible criteria and their use for the diagnosis of occupational lung cancer at 6 employees of uranium mines.
 Results: The following criteria for the diagnosis of occupationally caused lung cancer at workers of uranium mines are marked out:
 • Total effective dose of radiation exposure is more 200–250 mSv (40–50 WLM).
 • Period in underground conditions is not less than 10 years.
 • Dust content in a workplace is more than 1 mg/m3.
 • Hygienic assessment of working conditions – the 3rd class, 3.2–3.4 degree.
 • The latent period of development of a tumor is not less 10 years.
 • Development of primary and multiple synchronous or metachronous lung cancer.
 Also the diagnosis of occupational lung cancer the pulmonary anamnesis (frequent bronchitis, pneumonia, chronic bronchitis of the smoker) has to be considered.
 On the basis of the marked-out criteria documents of 6 employees of uranium mines, at which lung cancer has been revealed, are considered. On the basis of the carried-out analysis at 5 patients relation of a disease with professional activity has been established. One patient was denied this relation.
 Conclusion: Authors offer this expert approach to experts’ discussion as above-mentioned criteria is planned to be used by the pathologists who are carrying out observation of workers of uranium production and for the solution of questions of relation of a disease with professional activity of the patient.

Reduction in County Population Rates of Sinonasal Cancer Following Improvements in Industrial Hygiene at a Nickel Refinery

BackgroundThe Cancer Registry of Norway has virtually complete national data on incident cancers through more than 60 years. In 1973, the Registry published the first study of respiratory cancer among workers at a nickel refinery in Kristiansand, in the county of Vest-Agder. Very high risks had already been found in nickel workers elsewhere (Wales, UK; Ontario, Canada).The Kristiansand refiners had an overall sinonasal cancer rate 28 times the expected, and lung cancer 4.8 times in excess of national background rates. Sinonasal cancer is a rare disease with population rates less than 10–5 in men (world standard), but the rate in surrounding Vest-Agder county was more than doubled (1953–1971). Later improvements in the refinery process and industrial hygiene have been described. We have found suggestions of a downward trend in respiratory cancer among the refiners.MethodsFor this ecological study, we used population data for Vest-Agder and national age-specific rates in men to derive locally expected numbers of sinonasal cancer for six decades (1955–2014). The refinery's health care unit contributed the numbers of sinonasal cancer in workers with local residence.ResultsBefore 1995, sinonasal cancers among present or former employees fully accounted for the excess at the county population level. For the last two decades, county numbers were in line with those expected from the national rates (0.8 and 0.7 of expected).ConclusionLower nickel concentrations and respiratory protection appear to have eliminated the excess of sinonasal cancer, although low background rates may have left a remaining low to moderate risk undetected. Population mobility may also dilute local rates.Potential conflicts of interest:No funding was received for the study. TKG is employed by the Cancer Registry, a governmental institution. SRB is employed by the nickel refinery’s health care unit, required by Norwegian law to act as a free and independent advisor in work environment questions.

Hexavalent Chromium and Stomach Cancer: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

Hexavalent chromium [Cr(VI)] is a carcinogen known to cause lung cancer in workers of certain industries. An association with stomach cancer is uncertain. Systematic review and meta-analyses were c...

Cisplatin. Documentation of proposed values of occupational exposure limits (OELs)

Cisplatin. Documentation of proposed values of occupational exposure limits (OELs)

Occupational extremely low frequency magnetic fields (ELF-MF) exposure and hematolymphopoietic cancers – Swiss National Cohort analysis and updated meta-analysis

PurposePrevious studies have examined risks of leukaemia and selected lymphoid malignancies in workers exposed to extremely low frequency magnetic fields (ELF-MF). Most studies evaluated hematolymphopoietic malignancies as a combined category, but some analyses suggested that effects may be contained to some specific leukaemia or lymphoma subtypes, with inconsistent results. MethodsWe examined exposure to ELF-MF and mortality 1990–2008 from different types of hematolymphopoietic cancers in the Swiss National Cohort, using a job exposure matrix for occupations recorded at censuses 1990 and 2000. We analysed 3.1 million workers exposed at different levels to ELF-MF: ever-high, only-medium, only-low exposure using Cox proportional hazard models. We evaluated risk of death from acute myeloid leukaemia (AML), chronic myeloid leukaemia, lymphoid leukaemia, diffuse large B-cell lymphomas, follicular lymphoma, Waldenström's macroglobulinemia, multiple myeloma and Hodgkin lymphoma. ResultsMortality from hematolymphopoietic cancers was not associated with exposure to ELF-MF with the exception of an increase in ever-high exposed men of myeloid leukaemias (HR 1.31, 95% CI 1.02–1.67), and AML (HR 1.26, 95%CI 0.93–1.70). If workers had been high exposed during their vocational training and at both censuses, these HR increased to 2.24 (95%CI 0.91–5.53) and 2.75 (95%CI 1.11–6.83), respectively. ConclusionsOur analysis provided no convincing evidence for an increased risk of death from a range of hematolymphopoietic cancers in workers exposed to high or medium levels of ELF magnetic fields. However, we observed an increased risk of acute myeloid leukaemia in workers exposed to high levels for a longer duration. Observed risks are in line with meta-analysed previous reports on ELF-MF exposure and AML risk, with a summary relative risk of 1.21 (95%CI 1.08–1.37).

Evaluation of some blood parameters in parallel with expression of p53 and IL-6 in industrial pollution exposed subject

Industrial pollution has the ability to cause cancer and inflammatory diseases in humans. This study aimed to determine inflammatory and cancer biomarkers in parallel with some other blood biochemical parameters in normal and exposed people. The study subjects 45 workers who were exposed to trace elements and 45 control subjects. Blood biochemical parameters such as liver enzymes were examined by Hitachi 912 analyser and the expression of P53 and IL-6 genes was also detected by Real time PCR technique. Our findings showed that the gene expression of both IL-6 and P53 increased in workers who were exposed to pollution. The result showed that the exposure to industrial pollution has led to increased expression of P53 and IL-6. These evidences may confirm a potential role for pollution and trace elements for developing the risk of inflammatory diseases and cancer in workers.

Evaluation of some blood parameters in parallel with expression of p53 and IL-6 in industrial pollution exposed subject

Industrial pollution has the ability to cause cancer and inflammatory diseases in humans. This study aimed to determine inflammatory and cancer biomarkers in parallel with some other blood biochemical parameters in normal and exposed people. The study subjects 45 workers who were exposed to trace elements and 45 control subjects. Blood biochemical parameters such as liver enzymes were examined by Hitachi 912 analyser and the expression of P53 and IL-6 genes was also detected by Real time PCR technique. Our findings showed that the gene expression of both IL-6 and P53 increased in workers who were exposed to pollution. The result showed that the exposure to industrial pollution has led to increased expression of P53 and IL-6. These evidences may confirm a potential role for pollution and trace elements for developing the risk of inflammatory diseases and cancer in workers.

Toxicology and carcinogenesis studies of TRIM VX in Wistar Han [Crl:WI (Han)] rats and B6C3F1/N mice (inhalation studies).

TRIM VX is a metalworking fluid used as a lubricant and coolant liquid and for cleaning tools and parts during cutting, drilling, milling, and grinding. The metalworking fluid class was nominated by the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) for study by the National Toxicology Program because of high production volumes, the large number of occupationally exposed workers, the lack of carcinogenicity and chronic toxicology data, and because epidemiologic data indicate an increased incidence of laryngeal cancer in workers exposed to metalworking fluids. TRIM VX was selected as an example soluble oil metalworking fluid following chemical analysis and collaboration with NIOSH. Male and female Wistar Han [Crl:WI (Han)] rats and B6C3F1/N mice were exposed to TRIM VX by inhalation for 3 months or 2 years. Genetic toxicology studies were conducted in Salmonella typhimurium, Escherichia coli, and rat and mouse peripheral blood erythrocytes. (Abstract Abridged).

ELF-MF occupational exposure and hematolymphopoietic cancers – an analysis of the Swiss National Cohort

Background Previous studies have addressed risks of leukaemia and selected lymphoid malignancies in workers exposed to extremely low frequency (ELF) magnetic fields. Many of these studies have evaluated hematolymphopoietic malignancies as a combined category, but some studies suggested that effects may be contained to some specific leukaemia or lymphoma subtypes, with inconsistent results. We aimed at evaluating exposure to ELF magnetic fields and mortality from different types of hematolymphopoietic cancers, using the Swiss National Cohort. Methods We evaluated mortality 1990-2008 and exposure to ELF-MF in the Swiss National Cohort, using a job exposure matrix for occupations at censuses 1990 and 2000. We compared 4.3 million workers with either high or medium vs. low exposure to ELF magnetic fields using Cox proportional hazard models. We evaluated risk of death from acute and chronic myeloid and lymphoid leukaemia, diffuse large B-cell lymphomas, follicular lymphoma, Waldenström's macroglobulinemia, multiple myeloma and Hodgkin lymphoma. Results Risk of dying from the evaluated cancers were not increased in high or medium exposed workers versus low exposed individuals with the exception of a small increase in high-only exposed men of myeloid leukaemias (HR 1.28, 95%CI 1.01-1.64) based on an increased risk of AML (HR 1.26, 95%CI 0.93-1.69). For most of the evaluated outcomes, there were too few highly exposed women to assess the association. Conclusions Our analysis provided no convincing evidence for an increased risk of death from a range of hematolymphopoietic cancers in workers exposed to high or medium levels of ELF magnetic fields. A small increased risk of myeloid leukaemia in high-only exposed workers cannot be excluded.

Early recognition of lung cancer in workers occupationally exposed to asbestos

Despite the fact that working with asbestos and placing it on the market have been banned in Germany since 1993 according to the Ordinance on Hazardous Substances, asbestos-related diseases of the lungs and pleura are still the leading cause of death in occupational diseases. The maximum industrial usage of asbestos was reached in former West Germany in the late 1970s and in former East Germany the late 1980s. Occupational diseases, mainly mesotheliomas and lung cancer emerging now are thus caused by asbestos exposure which occurred 30-40years earlier. It is known that the combination of smoking and asbestos exposure results in a superadditive increase in the risk to develop lung cancer. No suitable screening methods for early detection of malignant mesothelioma are currently available and the therapeutic options are still very limited; however, the national lung screening trial (NLST) has shown for the first time that by employing low-dose computed tomography (LDCT) in heavy smokers, lung cancer mortality can be significantly reduced. According to current knowledge the resulting survival benefits far outweigh the potential risks involved in the diagnostic work-up of suspicious lesions. These results in association with the recommendations of international medical societies and organizations were pivotal as the German statutory accident insurance (DGUV) decided to provide LDCT as a special occupational medical examination for workers previously exposed to asbestos and with a particularly high risk for developing lung cancer.

Risk of Lung Cancer in Workers Exposed to Benzidine and/or Beta-Naphthylamine: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

Benzidine (BZ) and beta-naphthylamine (BNA) have been classified as definite human carcinogens for bladder cancer by the International Agency for Research on Cancer. However, the epidemiological evidence for an association between exposure to BZ and/or BNA and lung cancer has been inconclusive. We conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis to determine the risk for lung cancer among workers exposed to BZ/BNA. A systematic literature search was conducted to identify studies that had reported occupational BZ/BNA exposure and the outcome of interest (lung cancer death and/or incidence). Meta-analyses were performed using random effects models to combine standardized mortality ratios (SMRs) or standardized incidence ratios (SIRs). We identified 23 retrospective cohort studies including 1745 cases of lung cancer; only one study reported smoking-adjusted lung cancer risk. A significantly increased lung cancer risk (pooled SMR/SIR 1.28; 95% CI, 1.14–1.43) was observed by combining all studies, with significant heterogeneity among studies (I2 = 64.1%, P < 0.001). Effect estimates were higher for studies with direct BZ/BNA exposure (ie, dyestuff and manufacturing industries) (pooled SMR/SIR 1.58; 95% CI, 1.31–1.89), and studies that identified BZ/BNA-associated bladder cancer with SMR/SIR ≥4.7 (pooled SMR/SIR 1.68; 95% CI, 1.35–2.09). Effect estimates were similar for studies with and without concomitant occupational exposure to chromium, asbestos, arsenic, or bis(chloromethyl) ether. The cumulative meta-analysis showed that the evidence of association between occupational BZ/BNA exposure and lung cancer has been stable since 1995. Although the results of this meta-analysis have the potential for confounding by smoking and heterogeneity, our findings suggest that a finding of lung cancer following occupational BZ/BNA exposure should be considered to be a potential occupational disease.

Occupational injuries and illnesses in rubber factory: Profile, Potential Hazards and possible prevention

Rubber is one of the important commodities in the world. Globally, workers are facing so many problems of hazards that produce by rubber process. In Indonesia, there are several data of occupational problems such as respiratory diseases, muscle and skeletal diseases, gastrointestinal diseases, diseases of the teeth and oral cavity, skin diseases and skin tissue. In Iranian rubber factory, Iran, workers had suffered from some kind of musculoskeletal symptoms. Stomach and liver cancers in workers are having in Shanghai tire factory. In addition, Germany has cancer problem of their workers who work in rubber factory. Most of the rubber process in the factory can cause some hazards of the workers. In unloading area and area that operator is taking the dirt manually, workers are facing ergonomic problems. The possible control is reduce weight of load, team lift the object with two or more workers and Use mechanical assist. Machine safeguarding is essential for protecting from Cutting process that can make workers amputation organs such as hands, and fingers. In bale process, the workers need to cut raw rubber into bale in bale cutting. Furthermore, workers are facing with amputation problem. To manage that, It must be designed as a standard which has interlocking guards to prevent access to the cutting area. When wrapped using plastic, workers use a heated iron and sticked in plastic so that it blends neatly. The risks are fingers can cut accidently and then the workers also get contamination from polyvinyl chloride (PVC). The possible preventions are use an automatic plastic wrapping machine with palletized product sitting on a turntable and respirator. Another problem is contact dermatitis that has been reported frequently among rubber workers. The prevention for that problem is using Gloves. The aim of researcher is to provide the profile of occupational injuries and illnesses, potential hazards in rubber factory to prevent the workers.

Prevention and Early Detection of Occupational Cancers - a View of Information Technology Solutions

Thousands of people die each year from cancer due to occupational causes. To reduce cancer in workers, preventive strategies should be used in the high-risk workplace. The effective prevention of occupational cancer requires knowledge of carcinogen agents. Like other areas of healthcare industry, occupational health has been affected by information technology solutions to improve prevention, early detection, treatment and finally the efficiency and cost effectiveness of the healthcare system. Information technology solutions are thus an important issue in the healthcare field. Information about occupational cancer in information systems is important for policy makers, managers, physicians, patients and researchers; because examples that include high quality data about occupational cancer patients and occupational cancer causes are able to determine the worker groups which require special attention. As a result exposed workers who are vulnerable can undergo screening and be considered for preventive interventions.

Brain Cancer in Workers Employed at a Laboratory Research Facility.

BackgroundAn earlier study of research facility workers found more brain cancer deaths than expected, but no workplace exposures were implicated.MethodsAdding four additional years of vital-status follow-up, we reassessed the risk of death from brain cancer in the same workforce, including 5,284 workers employed between 1963, when the facility opened, and 2007. We compared the work histories of the brain cancer decedents in relationship to when they died and their ages at death.ResultsAs in most other studies of laboratory and research workers, we found low rates of total mortality, total cancers, accidents, suicides, and chronic conditions such as heart disease and diabetes. We found no new brain cancer deaths in the four years of additional follow-up. Our best estimate of the brain cancer standardized mortality ratio (SMR) was 1.32 (95% confidence interval [95% CI] 0.66–2.37), but the SMR might have been as high as 1.69. Deaths from benign brain tumors and other non-malignant diseases of the nervous system were at or below expected levels.ConclusionWith the addition of four more years of follow-up and in the absence of any new brain cancers, the updated estimate of the risk of brain cancer death is smaller than in the original study. There was no consistent pattern among the work histories of decedents that indicated a common causative exposure.

Risk of cancer in workers exposed to styrene at eight British companies making glass-reinforced plastics

ObjectivesTo provide further information on the risks of lymphohaematopoietic (LH) and other cancers associated with styrene.MethodsWe extended follow-up to December 2012 for 7970 workers at eight companies in England which...

Risk for lung cancer in workers exposed to benzidine and/or beta-naphthylamine: a protocol for systematic review and meta-analysis.

BackgroundRisk for lung cancer in workers exposed to benzidine (BZ) and/or beta-naphthylamine (BNA), which are well-known bladder carcinogens, has been examined in many epidemiological studies, but individual epidemiological studies generally lack the power to examine the association between BZ/BNA exposure and lung cancer. We conduct a systematic review and meta-analysis to determine the risk for lung cancer among workers exposed to BZ/BNA occupationally.Methods/designStudies will be identified by a MEDLINE, EMBASE, CDSR, and CINAHL search and by the reference lists of articles/relevant reviews. Eligible studies will be cohort and case-control studies that report occupational BZ/BNA exposure and the outcome of interest (lung cancer death/incidence). The method of meta-analysis will be used to combine standardized mortality ratios (SMRs) and/or standardized incidence ratios (SIRs) from retrospective and prospective cohort studies and odds ratios (ORs) from case-control studies. Two reviewers will independently screen articles, extract data, and assess scientific quality using standardized forms and published quality assessment tools tailored for each study design. Overall pooled risk estimates and their corresponding 95% confidence intervals (CIs) will be obtained using random effects model. This systematic review and meta-analysis will be conducted following the Meta-analysis of Observational Studies in Epidemiology (MOOSE) guidelines, and results will be reported according to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) statement.DiscussionThis review will identify and synthesize studies of the association between occupational BZ/BNA exposure and lung cancer. The findings will help to identify whether BZ/BNA could cause lung cancer and might indicate whether workers with exposure to BZ/BNA have a need for preventive measures against non-urological cancer besides bladder cancer.Systematic review registrationPROSPERO CRD42014010250

Epidemiologic characteristics of compensated occupational lung cancers among Korean workers.

An understanding of the characteristics of occupational lung cancer is important to establish policies that prevent carcinogen exposure and to compensate workers exposed to lung carcinogens. This study analyzed the characteristics of occupational lung cancers in workers who were compensated under the Industrial Accident Compensation Insurance Law between 1994 and 2011. A total of 179 occupational lung cancers were compensated. The main carcinogenic exposure was asbestos, followed by crystalline silica and hexavalent chromium. The mean exposure duration and latency were 19.8 and 23.2 yr. The most common industry was manufacturing, followed by construction and transportation. The most common occupation was maintenance and repair, followed by foundry work, welding, painting, and spinning or weaving. Although asbestos was predominant carcinogen, the proportion of these cases was relatively low compared to other developed countries. Proper surveillance system is needed to monitor occupational lung cancer and improve prevention measures.

Brain Cancer in Workers Employed at a Specialty Chemical Research Facility

ABSTRACT This study evaluated unique exposures and their relationship to brain cancer mortality in employees of a specialty chemical research facility. Following an exposure assessment that concerned compounds distinct to this facility, the authors conducted a cohort mortality study of 5,284 workers to assess mortality in reference to the general population and a nested case-control study to evaluate brain cancer risk associated with specific jobs and unique chemical exposures. Four hundred eighty-six deaths, including 14 brain cancer deaths, were identified. Overall mortality was lower than expected. Brain cancer mortality was elevated (standardized mortality ratio [SMR] = 2.02, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 1.11–3.40). Exposures to 5 specific chemical categories were assessed. Exploration of work history and the specific chemical exposures did not explain the brain cancer cases. No clear occupational etiology was identified.

Cuatro años de seguimiento de un programa de cribado de cáncer de próstata en trabajadores

To analyze our four-year follow-up experience (2008-2011) with a prostate cancer screening program offered to employees of a banking company. Data were obtained from the health examinations carried out by the bank's in-house occupational health service (with centers in Barcelona, Madrid and Valencia). PSA (prostate-specific antigen) blood levels were measured and cases with high levels (>4 ng/ml) were followed through diagnosis and treatment, including a telephone survey of confirmed cases. Personal and occupational characteristics of the participants were analyzed as well. 750 workers (99% with administrative and/or commercial jobs) met the inclusion criteria for the screening program. Of these, 110 had elevated PSA levels on at least one occasion. The diagnosis of prostate cancer was confirmed in 21 cases. There were no associations between a diagnosis of cancer and the remaining analyzed variables. Urology and pathology records were retrieved for 76% of the contacted cases. The most frequent histological type was adenocarcinoma (98%), the most common Gleason grade at diagnosis was 6-7% (88%), and the majority of cases were treated surgically (90%).With respect to adverse effects, 48% of cases described erectile dysfunction and 33% reported urinary incontinence. In our program the observed prevalence of prostate cancer was above that expected (respectively, 21 confirmed cases vs. 12 expected). The identified cases unanimously expressed their support for the screening program.

Dust exposure and the risk of cancer in cement industry workers in Korea

Cement is used widely in the construction industry, though it contains hazardous chemicals such as hexavalent chromium. Several epidemiological studies have examined the association between cement dust exposure and cancer, but these associations have proved inconclusive. In the present study, we examined the association between dust exposure and cancer in cement industry workers in Korea. Our cohort consisted of 1,324 men who worked at two Portland cement manufacturing factories between 1997 and 2005. We calculated cumulative dust exposures, then categorized workers into high and low dust exposure groups. Cancer cases were identified between 1997 and 2005 by linking with the national cancer registry. Standardized incidence ratios (SIRs) were calculated for all workers and the high and low dust exposure groups, respectively. The SIR for overall cancers in all workers was increased (1.35, 95% CI: 1.01-1.78). The SIR for stomach cancer in the high dust exposure group was increased (2.18, 95% CI: 1.19-3.65), but there was no increased stomach cancer risk in the low dust exposure group. The SIR for rectal cancer in all workers was increased (3.05, 95% CI: 1.32-6.02). Rectal cancer risk was similar in the high and low exposure groups. Our findings suggest a potential association between exposure in the cement industry and an increased risk of stomach and rectal cancers. However, due to the small number of cases, this association should be further investigated in a study with a longer follow-up period and adjustment for confounders.