Methylene dianiline: assessment of exposure and cancer morbidity in power generator workers.

The biaromatic amine 4,4'-methylene dianiline (MDA) is an animal carcinogen, possibly also carcinogenic to humans. In a cohort of 595 power generator workers potentially exposed to MDA in a curing agent of an epoxy system, the overall standardised cancer incidence ratio (SIR) among males (n = 550), however, was only 0.52 [95% confidence interval (CI) 0.16-1.21] based on five observed cases. One male urinary bladder cancer case was found in comparison to 0.6 expected (SIR 1.67; 95% CI 0.04-9.31). This case was identified in an unexposed subcohort. High levels of MDA metabolites were ascertained in the urine of currently exposed workers, probably following percutaneous absorption. Although no evidence of an increased overall or bladder cancer risk was detected, the limitations of the study in regard to the size of the cohort, age and cancer latency preclude a definite risk assessment. The dermal absorption of MDA has been highlighted.