scholarly journals Occupational Exposures in an Equestrian Centre to Respirable Dust and Respirable Crystalline Silica

2019 ◽  
Vol 16 (17) ◽  
pp. 3226 ◽  
Author(s):  
Kathleen Bulfin ◽  
Hilary Cowie ◽  
Karen S. Galea ◽  
Alison Connolly ◽  
Marie Ann Coggins
Keyword(s):  
Geometric Mean ◽  
Occupational Exposures ◽  
Crystalline Silica ◽  
Dust Control ◽  
Respirable Dust ◽  
Small Scale ◽  
Water Suppression ◽  
Horse Riding ◽  
Increased Risk ◽  
Full Shift

Sand-based products are regularly used as footing material on indoor equestrian arenas, creating a potential occupational exposure risk for respirable crystalline silica (RCS) for equestrian workers training and exercising horses in these environments. The objective of this study was to evaluate an equestrian worker’s personal RCS and respirable dust (RD) exposure. Sixteen personal full-shift RD measurements were collected from an equestrian worker and analysed for RD, quartz and cristobalite. Geometric mean exposures of 0.12 mg m−3 and 0.02 mg m−3 were calculated for RD and RCS concentrations, respectively. RCS exposures of between 0.01 to 0.09 mg m−3 were measured on days when the indoor arena surface was not watered, compared to lower exposures (<LOD-0.03 mg m−3) on days when the indoor arena was watered (p < 0.01); however, manual watering is time intensive and less likely to be implemented in practice. This small-scale study provides new data on RCS and RD exposures among equestrian workers. RCS exposures are within the range considered to be associated with increased risk for lung cancer. The use of dust control solutions such as water suppression should be promoted for equestrian work in horse riding arenas. Equestrian workers need to receive occupational health training on the health risks associated with RCS exposure.

Exposure to crystalline silica in Canadian workplaces and the risk of kidney cancer

2019 ◽  
Vol 76 (9) ◽  
pp. 668-671
Author(s):  
Cheryl E Peters ◽  
Laura Bogaert ◽  
Lidija Latifovic ◽  
Linda Kachuri ◽  
Shelley A Harris ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Occupational Exposure ◽  
Kidney Cancer ◽  
Occupational Exposures ◽  
Population Based ◽  
Crystalline Silica ◽  
Three Dimensions ◽  
Cumulative Exposure ◽  
Increased Risk ◽  
Occupationally Exposed ◽  
Canadian Provinces

ObjectivesThe causes of kidney cancer are not well understood though occupational exposures are thought to play a role. Crystalline silica is a known human carcinogen, and despite previous links with kidney disease, there have been few studies investigating its association with kidney cancer. We addressed this research gap using a population-based case-control study of Canadian men.MethodsQuestionnaire data were obtained from individuals with histologically confirmed kidney cancer, and population-based controls recruited from eight Canadian provinces (1994–1997). An industrial hygienist characterised participants’ lifetime occupational exposure, and their confidence in the assessment (possibly, probably or definitely exposed) to silica on three dimensions (intensity, frequency and duration), and cumulative exposure was estimated. Logistic regression was used to estimate ORs and 95% CIs, adjusting for potential confounders.ResultsNearly half of the 689 kidney cancer cases (49%) and 2369 controls (44%) had ever been occupationally exposed to crystalline silica. In a fully adjusted model, workers ever-exposed to silica had a slightly increased risk of kidney cancer relative to those who were unexposed (OR 1.10, 95% CI 0.92 to 1.32). Odds were modestly (and generally not statistically significantly) increased for models with duration of exposure and cumulative exposure, though exposure-response relationships were not evident.ConclusionsOur findings do not provide evidence that occupational exposure to crystalline silica increases risk of kidney cancer in men.

scholarly journals Exposure Assessment To Inhalable And Respirable Dust In The Post-Earthquake Construction Sites In The City Of L’aquila 

2019 ◽  
Author(s):  
Riccardo Mastrantonio ◽  
Angela Civisca ◽  
Tamara Lippolis ◽  
Enrica Inglese ◽  
Eugenio Siciliano ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Geometric Mean ◽  
Crystalline Silica ◽  
Dust Concentration ◽  
Respirable Dust ◽  
Construction Sites ◽  
Mean Values ◽  
Silica Dust ◽  
Work Tasks ◽  
Inhalable Dust ◽  
The City

Abstract Following an earthquake occurred in the middle Italy in 2009, the involved territory hosted in ten years thousands of construction sites. The aim of this study is to assess the chemical exposure of the construction workers involved in the reconstruction of the city. To assess the exposure we collected 91 air samples to quantify the occupational exposure to airborne dusts and free crystalline silica dusts. Six construction companies joined the study and hosted the air sampling activities. We identified 4 work tasks: bricklayer and similar; scaffolder and carpenter; manual demolition; other tasks. Personal air sampling was performed by using the SKC AirCheck XR5000 sample pumps. Respirable dust and respirable crystalline silica dusts were collected by using a GS-3 Cyclones and 25 mm PVC filters; inhalable dust was collected by using a I.O.M. sampler and 25 mm PVC filters. The analyses were carried out by using gravimetric determination. Sampling time varied from 4 to 8 hours. The geometric mean values of inhalable dust concentration for the work tasks was: 3,65 mg/m 3 for scaffolder and carpenter; 18,16 mg/m 3 for manual demolition workers; 8,76 mg/m 3 for bricklayer and similar; 6,33 mg/m 3 for other work tasks. The geometric mean values of respirable dust concentration for the work tasks was: 0,67 mg/m 3 for scaffolder and carpenter; 0,92 mg/m 3 for manual demolition workers; 0,72 mg/m 3 for bricklayer and similar; 0,45 mg/m 3 for other work tasks. About the Crystalline Free Silica dust exposure, the average concentration in mg/m 3 was: 0,0038 for manual demolition workers, 0,0057 for scaffolder and carpenter, 0,004 for bricklayer and similar, 0,0035 for other tasks. The comparison of the results shows that manual demolition workers are exposed to considerably high levels of inhalable dusts, exceeding the ACGIH TLV-TWA limit of 10 mg/m 3 . About the respirable dust concentration, none of the work tasks dust concentration exceeded the ACGIH TLV-TWA limit of 3 mg/m 3 . Measurements of crystalline silica dust have shown levels below the threshold limit value of 0,025 mg/m 3 . This is in line with the average concentrations of respirable dust.

Occupational and environmental risk factors for idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis in Australia: case–control study

Thorax ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 75 (10) ◽  
pp. 864-869 ◽  
Author(s):  
Michael J Abramson ◽  
Tsitsi Murambadoro ◽  
Sheikh M Alif ◽  
Geza P Benke ◽  
Shyamali C Dharmage ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Family History ◽  
Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis ◽  
Pulmonary Fibrosis ◽  
Occupational Exposures ◽  
Population Based ◽  
Dust Control ◽  
Control Measures ◽  
Organic Mineral ◽  
Increased Risk ◽  
History Of

IntroductionIdiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) is a lung disease of unknown cause characterised by progressive scarring, with limited effective treatment and a median survival of only 2–3 years. Our aim was to identify potential occupational and environmental exposures associated with IPF in Australia.MethodsCases were recruited by the Australian IPF registry. Population-based controls were recruited by random digit dialling, frequency matched on age, sex and state. Participants completed a questionnaire on demographics, smoking, family history, environmental and occupational exposures. Occupational exposure assessment was undertaken with the Finnish Job Exposure Matrix and Australian asbestos JEM. Multivariable logistic regression was used to describe associations with IPF as ORs and 95% CIs, adjusted for age, sex, state and smoking.ResultsWe recruited 503 cases (mean±SD age 71±9 years, 69% male) and 902 controls (71±8 years, 69% male). Ever smoking tobacco was associated with increased risk of IPF: OR 2.20 (95% CI 1.74 to 2.79), but ever using marijuana with reduced risk after adjusting for tobacco: 0.51 (0.33 to 0.78). A family history of pulmonary fibrosis was associated with 12.6-fold (6.52 to 24.2) increased risk of IPF. Occupational exposures to secondhand smoke (OR 2.1; 1.2 to 3.7), respirable dust (OR 1.38; 1.04 to 1.82) and asbestos (OR 1.57; 1.15 to 2.15) were independently associated with increased risk of IPF. However occupational exposures to other specific organic, mineral or metal dusts were not associated with IPF.ConclusionThe burden of IPF could be reduced by intensified tobacco control, occupational dust control measures and elimination of asbestos at work.

scholarly journals Characterization of Occupational Exposures to Respirable Silica and Dust in Demolition, Crushing, and Chipping Activities

2018 ◽  
Vol 63 (1) ◽  
pp. 34-44 ◽  
Author(s):  
Anila Bello ◽  
Christopher Mugford ◽  
Amanda Murray ◽  
Susan Shepherd ◽  
Susan R Woskie
Keyword(s):  
Occupational Safety ◽  
Geometric Mean ◽  
Weighted Average ◽  
Occupational Exposures ◽  
Silica Content ◽  
Crystalline Silica ◽  
Respiratory Protection ◽  
Breathing Zone ◽  
Protection Factor ◽  
Dust Suppression

Abstract Objectives Exposures to respirable crystalline silica (RCS) and respirable dust (RD) were investigated during demolition, crushing, and chipping at several Massachusetts construction sites. Methods Personal breathing zone samples (n = 51) were collected on operating engineers working at demolition and crushing sites, laborers performing miscellaneous tasks at demolition sites, crushing machine tenders at crushing sites, and chipping workers at substructure bridge repair sites. Area samples (n = 33) were collected at the perimeter of demolition and crushing sites to assess potential bystanders’ exposures. Exposures ‘with’ and ‘without’ the use of dust suppression methods were compared when possible. RD samples were analyzed for crystalline silica content with Fourier Transform Infrared Spectrophotometry (FT-IR) according to the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) Method 7602. Statistical analyses of the exposure data were performed in SAS version 9.4. Results Chipping workers had the highest exposure levels [the geometric mean (GM) time-weighted average (TWA) for RCS was 527 µg/m3 and the GM for RD was 4750 µg/m3]. The next highest exposures were among crushing machine tenders (RCS GM of 93.3 µg/m3 and RD GM of 737.6 µg/m3), while laborers and operating engineers had the lowest exposures (RCS GM of 17.0 and 6.2 µg/m3, respectively). Personal 8-h TWA RCS exposures were higher than the new OSHA permissible exposure limit (PEL) of 50 µg/m3 for 80% of samples collected on chipping workers (n = 31) and 50% of samples collected on crushing machine tenders (n = 8). Operating engineers (n = 9) and laborers (n = 3) had RCS exposures lower than OSHA PEL. The highest concentrations measured would have exceeded the PEL within 15 min chipping and within 2 h of crushing with no further exposure. Chipping workers’ RCS exposures were higher than OSHA PEL even when they were adjusted to account for the assigned protection factor of the half-face N95 cartridge respirators used during chipping. Exposures of crushing tenders were reduced to levels under the OSHA PEL when a water spraying system in crushing machines was utilized, but not when a water cannon machine was used. Area samples at demolition and crushing sites indicate overall lower exposures than the PEL, however, bystander workers at crushing sites could be exposed to higher levels compared to demolition sites. Real-time dust monitoring during demolition indicate very high short-term peak exposures. Conclusions Controlling or reducing crystalline silica exposures to levels under the new OSHA PEL of 50 µg/m3 remains challenging for chipping workers and crushing machine tenders. Even with the use of dust suppression controls, respiratory protection may be required for various tasks.

scholarly journals Cancer Incidence and Mortality among Petroleum Industry Workers and Residents Living in Oil Producing Communities: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

2021 ◽  
Vol 18 (8) ◽  
pp. 4343
Author(s):  
Felix M. Onyije ◽  
Bayan Hosseini ◽  
Kayo Togawa ◽  
Joachim Schüz ◽  
Ann Olsson
Keyword(s):  
Systematic Review ◽  
Childhood Leukemia ◽  
Meta Analysis ◽  
Random Effect ◽  
Petroleum Industry ◽  
Occupational Exposures ◽  
Increased Risk ◽  
Incidence And Mortality ◽  
Exposed Workers ◽  
Stratified Analysis

Petroleum extraction and refining are major sources of various occupational exposures and of air pollution and may therefore contribute to the global cancer burden. This systematic review and meta-analysis is aimed at evaluating the cancer risk in petroleum-exposed workers and in residents living near petroleum facilities. Relevant studies were identified and retrieved through PubMed and Web of Science databases. Summary effect size (ES) and 95% confidence intervals (CI) were analysed using random effect models, and heterogeneity across studies was assessed (I2). Overall, petroleum industry work was associated with an increased risk of mesothelioma (ES = 2.09, CI: 1.58–2.76), skin melanoma (ES = 1.34, CI: 1.06–1.70 multiple myeloma (ES =1.81, CI: 1.28–2.55), and cancers of the prostate (ES = 1.13, Cl: 1.05–1.22) and urinary bladder (ES = 1.25, CI: 1.09–1.43) and a decreased risk of cancers of the esophagus, stomach, colon, rectum, and pancreas. Offshore petroleum work was associated with an increased risk of lung cancer (ES = 1.20; 95% CI: 1.03–1.39) and leukemia (ES = 1.47; 95% CI: 1.12–1.92) in stratified analysis. Residential proximity to petroleum facilities was associated with childhood leukemia (ES = 1.90, CI: 1.34–2.70). Very few studies examined specific exposures among petroleum industry workers or residents living in oil producing communities. The present review warrants further studies on specific exposure levels and pathways among petroleum-exposed workers and residents living near petroleum facilities.

scholarly journals P54 Development of ocular toxoplasmosis and panuveitis in a patient receiving infliximab for psoriatic arthritis

Rheumatology ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 59 (Supplement_2) ◽  
Author(s):  
Mariam Malik ◽  
Himashi Anver ◽  
Ernest Wong
Keyword(s):  
Psoriatic Arthritis ◽  
Past History ◽  
Acute Infection ◽  
Immunosuppressive Treatment ◽  
Ocular Toxoplasmosis ◽  
Close Monitoring ◽  
Horse Riding ◽  
Increased Risk ◽  
History Of ◽  
Acute Toxoplasmosis

Abstract Background Toxoplasma gondii is thought to infect up to a third of world’s population. Incidence rate of 0.4/100,000 has been calculated in Britain, culminating in a life-time risk of 18/100,000. Cats are primary hosts, but humans and warm-blooded animals can be infected by consumption of contaminated food/water. Although in most patients, it’s self-limiting, it can be devastating in immunosuppressed patients and may cause eye manifestations, cerebral abscesses or disseminated infection. Immunosuppressive therapies including treatment with biologics increases the risk and may also cause toxoplasmosis reactivation. Methods This is case of 57 year old lady with psoriatic arthritis. She has past history of congenital vision impairment in the left eye and is HLA B27 negative. She enjoyed horse-riding and had a pet dog. Initially she was started on methotrexate. Sulfasalazine was added later. Due to ongoing active disease, etanercept was used for 6 months, before being switched to cetrolizumab due to ineffectiveness. She had this for 5 months and then switched to infliximab, 3mg/kg, 8 weekly. In May 2019, she was seen by Ophthalmology for 2 weeks history of blurred vision and floaters in right eye. She was diagnosed to have panuveitis and had positive IgM for toxoplasma. Bloods revealed negative TB screen, HIV, Hep B&C, syphilis, lyme and anti-streptolysin antibody tests were negative. Infliximab levels were sub-therapeutic. She was commenced on 30mg prednisolone for possible inflammatory process secondary to seronegative arthropathy, but acute toxoplasmosis could not be excluded. Hence, she was started on azithromycin and had vitreous biopsy. Toxoplasma was detected in the sample, confirming acute infection. Methotrexate and infliximab were stopped. MRI head ruled out intracranial involvement. Following treatment of acute toxoplasmosis, adalimumab is now being considered for management of her inflammatory disease, with close monitoring by local infectious-disease team and specialist ophthalmology unit. Results This lady developed ocular toxoplasmosis and panuveitis, whilst on immunosuppression for psoriatic arthritis. She was a horse-rider and had exposure to dogs. Diagnosing toxoplasma in immunocompromised can be difficult. Isolation of T. gondii in tissue usually confirms diagnosis. Some forms of immunosuppressive treatment may be associated with increased risk of reactivation of toxoplasmosis but there is not much evidence to assess the relative risk of various therapies. Conclusion Ocular toxoplasmosis needs to be considered in patients receiving immunosupression and presenting with inflammatory eye symptoms. Management requires specialist input and close monitoring. Further research into diagnostic techniques, possibility of using prophylaxis in high-risk patients and management guidelines would be helpful. Disclosures M. Malik None. H. Anver None. E. Wong None.

Coal mine dust lung disease in miners killed in the Upper Big Branch disaster: a review of lung pathology and contemporary respirable dust levels in underground US coal mines

2021 ◽  
pp. oemed-2021-107694
Author(s):  
Leonard H T Go ◽  
Francis H Y Green ◽  
Jerrold L Abraham ◽  
Andrew Churg ◽  
Edward L Petsonk ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Lung Tissue ◽  
Geometric Mean ◽  
Coal Mines ◽  
Regulatory Compliance ◽  
Respirable Dust ◽  
Lung Pathology ◽  
Histopathological Findings ◽  
Exposure Limit ◽  
Underground Coal Mines ◽  
The Usa

ObjectivesIn 2010, 29 coal miners died due to an explosion at the Upper Big Branch (UBB) mine in West Virginia, USA. Autopsy examinations of 24 individuals with evaluable lung tissue identified 17 considered to have coal workers’ pneumoconiosis (CWP). The objectives of this study were to characterise histopathological findings of lung tissue from a sample of UBB fatalities and better understand the respirable dust concentrations experienced by these miners at UBB relative to other US coal mines.MethodsOccupational pulmonary pathologists evaluated lung tissue specimens from UBB fatalities for the presence of features of pneumoconiosis. Respirable dust and quartz samples submitted for regulatory compliance from all US underground coal mines prior to the disaster were analysed.ResultsFamilies of seven UBB fatalities provided consent for the study. Histopathologic evidence of CWP was found in all seven cases. For the USA, central Appalachia and UBB, compliance dust samples showed the geometric mean for respirable dust was 0.468, 0.420 and 0.518 mg/m3, respectively, and respirable quartz concentrations were 0.030, 0.038 and 0.061 mg/m3. After adjusting for quartz concentrations, UBB exceeded the US permissible exposure limit (PEL) for respirable dust in 28% of samples.ConclusionsAlthough higher than average respirable dust and quartz levels were observed at UBB, over 200 US underground coal mines had higher dust concentrations than UBB and over 100 exceeded the PEL more frequently. Together with lung histopathological findings among UBB fatalities, these data suggest exposures leading to CWP in the USA are more prevalent than previously understood.

scholarly journals Univariate associations between housing, management, and facility design factors and the prevalence of lameness lesions in fourteen small-scale dairy farms in Northeastern Algeria

2020 ◽  
Vol 13 (3) ◽  
pp. 570-578 ◽  
Author(s):  
Zoubida Dendani-Chadi ◽  
Khelaf Saidani ◽  
Loubna Dib ◽  
Fayçal Zeroual ◽  
Faouzi Sammar ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Univariate Analysis ◽  
Indirect Costs ◽  
Dairy Farms ◽  
Site Investigation ◽  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
Small Scale ◽  
Facility Design ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Housing Management ◽  
Increased Risk

Background and Aim: This cross-sectional study aimed to analyze the associations between different types of housing, management, and facilities on the prevalence of lame, causing lesions in smallholder dairy farms in Algeria. Materials and Methods: The on-site investigation took place between December 2012 and May 2015. All cows were locomotion scored on a four-point scale, and foot lesions causing lame were diagnosed and recorded. Factors related to the farm and the cows' conditions were also assessed. The association between the possible risk factors and lame lesions was assessed using univariate analysis. Results: Of the 349 cows evaluated, 13% were lame (lameness score ≥2), with higher lameness values recorded for the hind feet than for the forefeet. Cows without lameness were classified as healthy. The two most frequent lesion diagnoses observed in lame cows were interdigital dermatitis/heel horn erosion (ID/HE; 39%) and interdigital phlegmon (IP; 35%), followed by traumatic lesions (T; 11%), digital dermatitis (DD; 8.7%), and laminitis-related diseases (L; 6.5%). The risk of being lame was increased in large herds with cows of the Holstein breed, and those in the third parity and above. Tie housing, concrete floor, concentrate feeding, zero-grazing, and the use of foot trimming occasionally were associated with increased risk for the presence of lame lesions. The region and footbathing frequency had no association with the prevalence of lame lesions (p≥0.05). Conclusion: These results have important implications; they indicate that several aspects of housing, management, and facility design are common protective factors for the prevalence of lame lesions. These factors should be maintained correctly to not only reduce the number of lame cows in these herds but also decrease the direct and indirect costs associated with cases of lameness.

scholarly journals Occupational exposures and 20-year incidence of COPD: the European Community Respiratory Health Survey

Thorax ◽  
2018 ◽  
Vol 73 (11) ◽  
pp. 1008-1015 ◽  
Author(s):  
Theodore Lytras ◽  
Manolis Kogevinas ◽  
Hans Kromhout ◽  
Anne-Elie Carsin ◽  
Josep M Antó ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
European Community ◽  
Health Survey ◽  
Respiratory Health ◽  
Population Attributable Fraction ◽  
Occupational Exposures ◽  
Evidence Base ◽  
Job Exposure Matrix ◽  
Increased Risk ◽  
Lower Limit Of Normal

BackgroundOccupational exposures have been associated with an increased risk of COPD. However, few studies have related objectively assessed occupational exposures to prospectively assessed incidence of COPD, using postbronchodilator lung function tests. Our objective was to examine the effect of occupational exposures on COPD incidence in the European Community Respiratory Health Survey.MethodsGeneral population samples aged 20–44 were randomly selected in 1991–1993 and followed up 20 years later (2010–2012). Spirometry was performed at baseline and at follow-up, with incident COPD defined using a lower limit of normal criterion for postbronchodilator FEV1/FVC. Only participants without COPD and without current asthma at baseline were included. Coded job histories during follow-up were linked to a Job-Exposure Matrix, generating occupational exposure estimates to 12 categories of agents. Their association with COPD incidence was examined in log-binomial models fitted in a Bayesian framework.Findings3343 participants fulfilled the inclusion criteria; 89 of them had COPD at follow-up (1.4 cases/1000 person-years). Participants exposed to biological dust had a higher incidence of COPD compared with those unexposed (relative risk (RR) 1.6, 95% CI 1.1 to 2.3), as did those exposed to gases and fumes (RR 1.5, 95% CI 1.0 to 2.2) and pesticides (RR 2.2, 95% CI 1.1 to 3.8). The combined population attributable fraction for these exposures was 21.0%.InterpretationThese results substantially strengthen the evidence base for occupational exposures as an important risk factor for COPD.

scholarly journals Bladder cancer and occupational exposure to metalworking fluid mist: a counter-matched case–control study in French steel-producing factories

2018 ◽  
Vol 75 (5) ◽  
pp. 328-336 ◽  
Author(s):  
Régis Colin ◽  
Michel Grzebyk ◽  
Pascal Wild ◽  
Guy Hédelin ◽  
Ève Bourgkard
Keyword(s):  
Bladder Cancer ◽  
Occupational Exposure ◽  
Case Control Study ◽  
Occupational Exposures ◽  
Case Control ◽  
Metalworking Fluids ◽  
Cumulative Exposure ◽  
Cancer Case ◽  
Increased Risk ◽  
Control Study

ObjectivesTo assess the relationship between occupational exposure to metalworking fluids (MWFs) in the steel-producing industry and bladder cancer incidence.MethodsA nested case–control study on bladder cancer was set up in a cohort of workers from six French steel-producing factories. Three controls were randomly selected for each incident bladder cancer case diagnosed from 2006 to 2012. Controls were matched to cases on age at diagnosis and counter-matched on a surrogate measure of exposure to MWFs derived from a job-exposure matrix. Cases (n=84) and controls (n=251) were face-to-face interviewed. Experts assessed occupational exposure to MWFs (straight, soluble and synthetic) using questionnaires and reports from factory visits. Occupational exposures were based on three metrics: duration, frequency-weighted duration and cumulative exposure index. Conditional multiple logistic regressions were used to determine ORs and 95% CIs, taking non-occupational and occupational exposure into account.ResultsIn the 25 years before diagnosis, ORs increased significantly with duration of exposure to straight MWFs (OR=1.13 (1.02–1.25)) and increased with frequency-weighted duration of exposure to straight MWFs (OR=1.44 (0.97–2.14)). These results remained valid after adjusting for duration of smoking, average number of cigarettes smoked per day, time since smoking cessation and exposure to polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs). ORs also increased with soluble MWFs but not significantly. No significant association was found with older exposures to MWFs or with exposure to synthetic MWFs.ConclusionThe increased risk of bladder cancer observed among workers exposed to straight MWFs and to a lesser extent to soluble MWFs may be explained by the presence of carcinogens (such as PAH) in mineral oils component of straight and soluble oils. Prevention therefore remains necessary in sectors using MWFs.

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