Gary M Marsh1, Jeanine M Buchanich, Ada O Youk. 1. Center for Occupational Biostatistics and Epidemiology, Department of Biostatistics, Graduate School of Public Health, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA 15261, USA. gmarsh@cobe.pitt.edu
Abstract
OBJECTIVE: To determine whether IARC's 2001 decision to downgrade the classification of insulation glass wool from Group 2B to Group 3 remains valid in light of epidemiological evidence reported after 2001. METHODS: We performed a systematic review of epidemiological evidence regarding respiratory cancer risks in relation to man-made vitreous fiber (MMVF) exposure before and after the 2001 IARC re-evaluation with focus on glass wool exposure and respiratory system cancer. RESULTS: Since 2001, three new community-based, case-control studies, two detailed analyses of existing cohort studies and two reviews/meta-analyses were published. These studies revealed no consistent evidence of an increased respiratory system cancer risk in relation to glass wool exposure. CONCLUSIONS: From our evaluation of the epidemiological evidence published since 2001, we conclude that IARC's 2001 decision to downgrade insulation glass wool from Group 2B to Group 3 remains valid.
OBJECTIVE: To determine whether IARC's 2001 decision to downgrade the classification of insulation glass wool from Group 2B to Group 3 remains valid in light of epidemiological evidence reported after 2001. METHODS: We performed a systematic review of epidemiological evidence regarding respiratory cancer risks in relation to man-made vitreous fiber (MMVF) exposure before and after the 2001 IARC re-evaluation with focus on glass wool exposure and respiratory system cancer. RESULTS: Since 2001, three new community-based, case-control studies, two detailed analyses of existing cohort studies and two reviews/meta-analyses were published. These studies revealed no consistent evidence of an increased respiratory system cancer risk in relation to glass wool exposure. CONCLUSIONS: From our evaluation of the epidemiological evidence published since 2001, we conclude that IARC's 2001 decision to downgrade insulation glass wool from Group 2B to Group 3 remains valid.