Epidemiological evidence indicates asbestos causes laryngeal cancer

Article Abstract:

The association of asbestos to lung cancer and mesothelioma of the pleura and peritoneum (a malignant tumor of membrane lining the organs within the chest and abdominal cavities) has clearly been established. The causal relationship of asbestos exposure to cancer of other sites, including the larynx, has been suggested. Some investigators have reported conflicting evidence of a causal relationship between asbestos exposure and laryngeal cancer; these reports evaluated the same data. A review of the principal studies concerning numbers of cases of laryngeal cancer and degree of exposure to asbestos was conducted. Cohort studies reporting the highest relative risk of lung cancer due to asbestos exposure were included. (In this case, relative risk is a ratio of the incidence of lung cancer in those exposed to asbestos to the incidence of lung cancer in those not exposed.) Risk estimates were reported in the form of Standardized Mortality Ratios (SMR, a ratio of the observed number of deaths in a particular group to the total expected deaths in that group). The effects of confounding variables (other factors associated with asbestos exposure and laryngeal cancer), such as cigarette smoking and alcohol consumption, were considered. Case control studies were also evaluated, although they were not as strongly supportive of the causal hypothesis. The analysis concluded that asbestos is a probable cause of laryngeal cancer in view of the strength of the association of exposure to disease, the consistency and strength of the results of major studies, a clearly identifiable dose-response relationship, and the biological plausibility for asbestos being a significant cause of laryngeal cancer. (Consumer Summary produced by Reliance Medical Information, Inc.)

Physiological aspects, Laryngeal cancer

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Risk of colorectal cancer among automotive pattern and model makers

Article Abstract:

Previous epidemiologic studies have reported an increased risk of colorectal cancer among automobile pattern and model makers. Because of the nature of this occupation, these workers are exposed to a wide spectrum of woods, metals, plastics, and fiberglass, as fine dusts and coarse particulates, solvents, acids fumes, and gases. The employees raised questions about their exposures and the risk of colorectal cancer, coincident with those exposures. Criteria for inclusion in this study required persons to be General Motors workers who were: 1 - currently working as model or patternmakers; 2 - laid-off from those skills; 3 - working in the model and pattern making areas; and 4 - current GM employees with a work history of at least two years in the areas in question. The total cohort at the time of the study included 7,545 persons (7,338 men and 207 women) who participated in a cancer screening program. Sixty-seven cases of colorectal cancer occurred in this group; 10 cases had developed prior to l980. Standard mortality ratios (SMR, the ratio of observed deaths to expected deaths multiplied by 100) were calculated. There were 22 colon cancer deaths observed, but only 10.9 expected colon cancer deaths. The SMR for those who participated in all the screening programs was high. The SMR for colon cancer for persons who did not participate in the screening programs was even higher. The results clearly demonstrate that employees in the pattern and model making occupations are at increased risk for colorectal cancer. Failure to participate in screening and follow-up programs further increases this risk. (Consumer Summary produced by Reliance Medical Information, Inc.)

Testing, Colorectal cancer, Demographic aspects, Models and modelmaking, Models (Toys), Pattern-making, Patternmaking, Automobile industry workers, Automotive industry workers

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A study of possible predictors of mesothelioma in shipyard workers exposed to asbestos

Article Abstract:

Mesothelioma is a rare cancer, involving the pleura, a serous membrane surrounding the lungs and the lining of the thoracic cavity, and the pericardium. Long-term exposure to asbestos has been linked to the disease, but current screening methods fail to identify pleural lesions as predictors. A prospective cohort study of 3,893 shipyard workers was conducted to estimate the value of chest X-ray, spirometry, and information concerning asbestos exposure. Follow-up was done up to 10 years after the initial studies. The participants were enrolled in a health evaluation program, which included a self-administered questionnaire with questions relating to asbestos exposure (very low, low, heavy, and very heavy), smoking habits, and respiratory symptoms. Asbestosis was considered if there were changes in the X-ray, with evidence of basal lung fibrosis, and in two of three parameters measuring impaired lung function. Exposure was primarily to chrysotile, with some possible exposure to amosite and crocidolite, different asbestos ores. Eleven cases of mesothelioma were found among the shipyard workers. None of the elements of the health evaluation program were predictors of the occurrence of mesothelioma in this group. (Consumer Summary produced by Reliance Medical Information, Inc.)

Causes of, Mesothelioma, Environmentally induced diseases, Environmental illness

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