Two offset printing workers with cholangiocarcinoma.

Abstract

OBJECTIVES:

Previously, the author reported a cluster of 11 cholangiocarcinoma cases exposed to 1,2-dichloropropane (1,2-DCP) and/or dichloromethane (DCM) in an offset proof-printing company. Before that report, the association between the two chemicals and cholangiocarcinoma had not been known. The current study describes two cholangiocarcinoma patients exposed to 1,2-DCP or DCM in different offset printing companies.

METHODS:

The author obtained medical records for the patients, and interviewed the surviving patient and a relative of the deceased patient about their occupational history.

RESULTS:

Case 1 was a man born in 1950. He worked in the printing section in a proof-printing company for 26 years. He was diagnosed as cholangiocarcinoma in 1998 and died in 2000. In proof-printing operations, he used gasoline for 14 years and 1,2-DCP for 11 years to remove ink from a rubber transcription roller (blanket). The exposure concentration of 1,2-DCP was estimated to be between 72 and 5,200 ppm. Case 2 was a man born in 1963. He worked in the printing section in a general offset printing company for 11 years. He was diagnosed with cholangiocarcinoma in 2007. In printing operations, he used both kerosene and a mixture of 50% DCM and 50% 1,1,1-trichloroethane (1,1,1-TCE) for 11 years to remove ink from a blanket. The exposure concentration of DCM was estimated to be between 240 and 6,100 ppm. He was simultaneously exposed to similar levels of 1,1,1-TCE.

CONCLUSIONS:

Because the offset printing process may cause cholangiocarcinoma, occupational history should be examined for patients with this cancer.

• Authors: Shinji Kumagai
• Journal: Journal of occupational health (J Occup Health) Vol. 56 Issue 2 Pg. 164-8 ( 2014) ISSN: 1348-9585 [Electronic] Australia
• PMID: 24553624 (Publication Type: Case Reports, Journal Article)

Chemical References

• Methylene Chloride
• propylene dichloride
• Propane

Topics

• Adult
• Alcohol Drinking (epidemiology)
• Bile Duct Neoplasms (chemically induced, epidemiology)
• Bile Ducts, Intrahepatic
• Cholangiocarcinoma (chemically induced, epidemiology)
• Humans
• Male
• Methylene Chloride (toxicity)
• Middle Aged
• Occupational Diseases
• Occupational Exposure (adverse effects)
• Occupational Health
• Printing
• Propane (analogs & derivatives, toxicity)
• Smoking (epidemiology)