Case-referent study on skin cancer and its relation to occupational exposure to polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons. II. Study results.

The study was performed on a group of 376 males suffering from skin cancer and on two control groups, 752 males each, matched according to age. Referents were randomly sampled from the general population as well as from hospital wards and dermatological out-patient clinics. The analysis of occupational exposure to different products containing polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons produced data which indicated an increased risk of skin cancer in persons exposed to mineral oils (odds ratio = 1.46; 95% confidence interval; 1.06-2.05). In the case of exposure to sources of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons other than mineral oils, no significant increase in skin cancer risk was noted.