OBJECTIVES: Metalworking has been associated with bladder cancer risk in many studies. Metalworking fluids (MWFs) are suspected as the putative exposure, but epidemiologic data are limited. Based on state-of-the-art, quantitative exposure assessment, we examined MWF exposure and bladder cancer risk in the New England Bladder Cancer Study. METHOD: Male cases (n = 895) and population controls (n = 1031) provided occupational histories and information on use of each of three MWF types: (1) straight (mineral oil, additives), (2) soluble (mineral oil, water, additives), and (3) synthetic (water, organics, additives) or semi-synthetic (soluble/synthetic hybrid), in response to exposure-oriented modules administered during personal interviews. We estimated the probability, frequency, and intensity of exposure to each MWF type and, if probability exceeded 50%, cumulative exposure. Logistic regression was used to calculate odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs), adjusting for smoking and other risk factors. RESULTS: Risk was increased for men reporting use of straight MWFs (OR=1.7, 95% CI=1.1-2.8), with a significant trend with increasing cumulative exposure (p = 0.024). Use of soluble MWFs conferred a 50% elevated risk (95% CI=0.96-2.5). ORs were nonsignificantly elevated for synthetic MWFs, based on small numbers. Men who were never metalworkers, but held jobs with possible exposure to mineral oil, had a 40% increased risk (95% CI=1.1-1.8). CONCLUSIONS: In the most comprehensive assessment of MWF exposure in a bladder cancer case-control study, exposure to straight MWFs significantly increased bladder cancer risk, as did employment in non-metalworking jobs with possible mineral oil exposure. Our results strengthen prior evidence for mineral oil as a bladder carcinogen.
OBJECTIVES:Metalworking has been associated with bladder cancer risk in many studies. Metalworking fluids (MWFs) are suspected as the putative exposure, but epidemiologic data are limited. Based on state-of-the-art, quantitative exposure assessment, we examined MWF exposure and bladder cancer risk in the New England Bladder Cancer Study. METHOD: Male cases (n = 895) and population controls (n = 1031) provided occupational histories and information on use of each of three MWF types: (1) straight (mineral oil, additives), (2) soluble (mineral oil, water, additives), and (3) synthetic (water, organics, additives) or semi-synthetic (soluble/synthetic hybrid), in response to exposure-oriented modules administered during personal interviews. We estimated the probability, frequency, and intensity of exposure to each MWF type and, if probability exceeded 50%, cumulative exposure. Logistic regression was used to calculate odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs), adjusting for smoking and other risk factors. RESULTS: Risk was increased for men reporting use of straight MWFs (OR=1.7, 95% CI=1.1-2.8), with a significant trend with increasing cumulative exposure (p = 0.024). Use of soluble MWFs conferred a 50% elevated risk (95% CI=0.96-2.5). ORs were nonsignificantly elevated for synthetic MWFs, based on small numbers. Men who were never metalworkers, but held jobs with possible exposure to mineral oil, had a 40% increased risk (95% CI=1.1-1.8). CONCLUSIONS: In the most comprehensive assessment of MWF exposure in a bladder cancer case-control study, exposure to straight MWFs significantly increased bladder cancer risk, as did employment in non-metalworking jobs with possible mineral oil exposure. Our results strengthen prior evidence for mineral oil as a bladder carcinogen.
Authors: P E Tolbert; E A Eisen; L J Pothier; R R Monson; M F Hallock; T J Smith Journal: Scand J Work Environ Health Date: 1992-12 Impact factor: 5.024
Authors: K Teschke; M S Morgan; H Checkoway; G Franklin; J J Spinelli; G van Belle; N S Weiss Journal: Occup Environ Med Date: 1997-06 Impact factor: 4.402
Authors: Dong-Uk Park; Joanne S Colt; Dalsu Baris; Molly Schwenn; Margaret R Karagas; Karla R Armenti; Alison Johnson; Debra T Silverman; Patricia A Stewart Journal: J Occup Environ Hyg Date: 2014 Impact factor: 2.155
Authors: G R Howe; J D Burch; A B Miller; G M Cook; J Esteve; B Morrison; P Gordon; L W Chambers; G Fodor; G M Winsor Journal: J Natl Cancer Inst Date: 1980-04 Impact factor: 13.506
Authors: Joanne S Colt; Dalsu Baris; Patricia Stewart; Alan R Schned; John A Heaney; Leila A Mott; Debra Silverman; Margaret Karagas Journal: Cancer Causes Control Date: 2004-10 Impact factor: 2.506
Authors: Dong-Uk Park; Joanne S Colt; Dalsu Baris; Molly Schwenn; Margaret R Karagas; Karla R Armenti; Alison Johnson; Debra T Silverman; Patricia A Stewart Journal: J Occup Environ Hyg Date: 2014 Impact factor: 2.155