Colorectal cancer incidence among polypropylene manufacturing workers. An update.

Abstract

This study updates an earlier investigation that found a sixfold excess incidence of colorectal cancer among polypropylene workers for the period January 1960 to September 1985. The study cohort comprised 412 male workers with at least 6 months employment and 10 years latency. For the extended follow-up period (October 1985 to May 1992), the standardized incidence ratio (SIR) based on state comparison rates was slightly elevated and not statistically significant (SIR = 1.5, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 0.5 to 3.5). A 2.3-fold excess was observed among process workers (95% CI = 0.3 to 8.2), but this was based on only two cases. Risk among process/mechanical workers was greater for short-term workers (< 10 years, SIR = 3.2, 95% CI = 0.7 to 9.2) compared with longer-term workers (> or = 10 years, SIR = 0.7, 95% CI = 0.02 to 4.0). Overall, the update findings do not suggest an occupationally related risk. Possible influences of company-sponsored colorectal cancer screening, the polyolefin unit shutdown, and other factors are discussed.

• Authors: R J Lewis, A R Schnatter, S E Lerman
• Journal: Journal of occupational medicine. : official publication of the Industrial Medical Association (J Occup Med) Vol. 36 Issue 6 Pg. 652-9 (Jun 1994) ISSN: 0096-1736 [Print] United States
• PMID: 8071729 (Publication Type: Journal Article)

Chemical References

• Polypropylenes

Topics

• Aged
• Aged, 80 and over
• Chemical Industry (statistics & numerical data)
• Cohort Studies
• Colorectal Neoplasms (chemically induced, epidemiology)
• Humans
• Incidence
• Longitudinal Studies
• Male
• Middle Aged
• Occupational Diseases (chemically induced, epidemiology)
• Polypropylenes (adverse effects)
• Risk Factors