Multidimensional analysis of the effect of occupational exposure to organic solvents on lung cancer risk: the ICARE study

Abstract

BackgroundThe association between lung cancer and occupational exposure to organic solvents is discussed. Since different solvents are often used simultaneously, it is difficult to assess the role of individual substances.ObjectivesThe present study is focused on an in-depth investigation of the potential association between lung cancer risk and occupational exposure to a large group of organic solvents, taking into account the well-known risk factors for lung cancer, tobacco smoking and occupational exposure to asbestos.MethodsWe analysed data from the Investigation of occupational and environmental causes of respiratory cancers (ICARE) study, a large French population-based case–control study, set up between 2001 and 2007. A total of 2276 male cases and 2780 male controls were interviewed, and long-life occupational history was collected. In order to overcome the analytical difficulties created by multiple correlated exposures, we carried out a novel type of analysis based on Bayesian profile regression.ResultsAfter analysis with conventional logistic regression methods, none of the 11 solvents examined were associated with lung cancer risk. Through a profile regression approach, we did not observe any significant association between solvent exposure and lung cancer. However, we identified clusters at high risk that are related to occupations known to be at risk of developing lung cancer, such as painters.ConclusionsOrganic solvents do not appear to be substantial contributors to the occupational risk of lung cancer for the occupations known to be at risk.

Respiratory effects of trichloroethylene

“…These findings suggest a possible effect of mixed exposures, with combination of several solvents. Interestingly, using a more precise analysis of this study with profile regression approach, the author did not observe any significant association between TCE and lung cancer [22]. However, some high-risk clusters identified by the method were related to occupations that are known to be at risk of developing lung cancer, such as painters, construction workers, plumbers and pipe fitters, carpenters, joinery and parquetry workers.…”

Occupational and work‐related disease underestimated and linked to temporary disability through Primary Health Care Services

“…Of these occupational cancers reported, men were the most affected, as they were in our results, too. Although the consequences of this group of pathologies are very serious, research into occupational cancer is still rare (Gonzalez Sanchez, ; Purdue, Hutchings, Rushton, & Silverman, ) despite the data provided by the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC), which recognizes that there are around 150 physical or chemical agents which could possibly be carcinogenic present in workplaces (Lißner, Kuhl, Kauppinen, & Uuksulainen, ; Mattei et al, ). In our study, the prevalence rate of neoplasms was the lowest among all the illnesses studied, and these may not even be related to work.…”

Occupational exposure to textile dust and lung cancer risk: Results from the ICARE Study

“…The three most important components of smoking history have been incorporated into the comprehensive smoking index, namely number of cigarettes smoked per day, duration of smoking, and time since cessation. This index has been previously validated in a study of lung cancer and has been used by our group in several studies thereafter …”