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Elbarazi I, El-Zaemey S, Saddik B, Ádám B, El Sadig M, Abdullahi AS, Fritschi L, Sheek-Hussein M. Estimate of Occupational Exposure to Carcinogens among Migrant Workers in the United Arab Emirates: A Cross-Sectional Study. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2022; 19:13012. [PMID: 36293617 PMCID: PMC9602412 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph192013012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/22/2022] [Revised: 10/03/2022] [Accepted: 10/04/2022] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
Occupational illnesses, such as cancer, cause more deaths each year than occupational accidents. Occupational carcinogens include physical, chemical, biological and organizational hazards. In the United Arab Emirates (UAE), migrant workers account for 80% of labor. Being sometimes employed as unskilled workers and more willing to work in demanding jobs, their vulnerability and exposure may be increased. This study aimed to estimate the prevalence of occupational exposure to workplace carcinogens among migrant workers in the UAE. A sample of employees working in construction, cleaning, dry cleaning, mechanic workshops and hair salons were recruited and interviewed. Using OccIDEAS (an online assessment tool), participants were asked questions about their demographics, work history and regular tasks. Exposure to various carcinogens was estimated using the in-built algorithms of OccIDEAS. A sample of 1778 workers was included. The sample consisted of workers from Bangladesh (19.2%), India (31%), Nepal (4.7%), Pakistan (29.9%) and the Philippines (4.8%), with the rest from other nationalities. Overall, the prevalence of probable exposure was considerable, with the highest among drivers (96%) and the lowest among laundry workers (52%). Moderate to high exposure was found to 20 different carcinogens. Self-rated health among those who were exposed to carcinogens was significantly lower than among those not exposed (AOR = 0.783, 95% CI [0.638-0.961]). Exposure to several different carcinogens is relatively common in the UAE among migrant workers. Further strengthening policies and the implementation of tailored interventions are needed to prevent exposure to occupational carcinogens and, consequently, to combat occupational cancer in the UAE.
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Affiliation(s)
- Iffat Elbarazi
- Institute of Public Health, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, United Arab Emirates University, Al Ain 15551, United Arab Emirates
| | - Sonia El-Zaemey
- School of Population Health, Curtin University, Bentley 6102, Australia
| | - Basema Saddik
- Department of Family and Community Medicine and Behavioral Sciences, College of Medicine, University of Sharjah, Sharjah 27272, United Arab Emirates
- Sharjah Institute of Medical Research, University of Sharjah, Sharjah 27272, United Arab Emirates
| | - Balázs Ádám
- Institute of Public Health, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, United Arab Emirates University, Al Ain 15551, United Arab Emirates
| | - Mohamed El Sadig
- Institute of Public Health, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, United Arab Emirates University, Al Ain 15551, United Arab Emirates
| | - Aminu S. Abdullahi
- Institute of Public Health, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, United Arab Emirates University, Al Ain 15551, United Arab Emirates
| | - Lin Fritschi
- School of Population Health, Curtin University, Bentley 6102, Australia
| | - Mohamud Sheek-Hussein
- Institute of Public Health, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, United Arab Emirates University, Al Ain 15551, United Arab Emirates
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Sauvé JF, Emili A, Mater G. Application of Pattern Mining Methods to Assess Exposures to Multiple Airborne Chemical Agents in Two Large Occupational Exposure Databases from France. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2022; 19:ijerph19031746. [PMID: 35162769 PMCID: PMC8835122 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph19031746] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/20/2021] [Revised: 01/31/2022] [Accepted: 02/01/2022] [Indexed: 12/10/2022]
Abstract
Surveys of the French working population estimate that approximately 15% of all workers may be exposed to at least three different chemical agents, but the most prevalent coexposure situations and their associated health risks remain relatively understudied. To characterize occupational coexposure situations in France, we extracted personal measurement data from COLCHIC and SCOLA, two large administrative occupation exposure databases. We selected 118 chemical agents that had ≥100 measurements with detected concentrations over the period 2010-2019, including 31 carcinogens (IARC groups 1, 2A, and 2B). We grouped measurements by work situations (WS, combination of sector, occupation, task, and year). We characterized the mixtures across WS using frequent itemset mining and association rules mining. The 275,213 measurements extracted came from 32,670 WS and encompassing 4692 unique mixtures. Workers in 32% of all WS were exposed to ≥2 agents (median 3 agents/WS) and 13% of all WS contained ≥2 carcinogens (median 2 carcinogens/WS). The most frequent coexposures were ethylbenzene-xylene (1550 WS), quartz-cristobalite (1417 WS), and toluene-xylene (1305 WS). Prevalent combinations of carcinogens also included hexavalent chromium-lead (368 WS) and benzene-ethylbenzene (314 WS). Wood dust (6% of WS exposed to at least one other agent) and asbestos (8%) had the least amount of WS coexposed with other agents. Tasks with the highest proportions of coexposure to carcinogens include electric arc welding (37% of WS with coexposure), polymerization and distillation (34%), and construction drilling and excavating (34%). Overall, the coexposure to multiple chemical agents, including carcinogens, was highly prevalent in the databases, and should be taken into account when assessing exposure risks in the workplace.
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Olsson A, Kromhout H. Occupational cancer burden: the contribution of exposure to process-generated substances at the workplace. Mol Oncol 2021; 15:753-763. [PMID: 33544948 PMCID: PMC7931128 DOI: 10.1002/1878-0261.12925] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/19/2021] [Revised: 01/29/2021] [Accepted: 02/03/2021] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Respirable crystalline silica in mineral dust, wood dust, diesel engine exhaust emissions and welding fumes are among the most common process-generated substances to which millions of workers are exposed daily. The composition of process-generated substances can vary substantially, depending on the parameters of the underlying processes; for example, the composition and intensity of diesel motor emissions differs among the various generations of diesel engines and working environments (e.g. surface or underground mining). We illustrate how common these occupational exposures are and discuss challenges in estimating their global prevalence and their contribution to the burden of occupational cancer. Estimates of the number and proportion of workers exposed in most countries and on a global scale are generally scarce. A remarkable exception is based on the proactive bottom-up estimates generated within the European Network for Silica. Actions to reduce exposures and research to fill gaps in knowledge adapted to local settings are warranted to mitigate the occupational cancer burden, especially in under-researched settings including low- and middle-income countries.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ann Olsson
- International Agency for Research in Cancer (IARC)World Health Organization (WHO)LyonFrance
| | - Hans Kromhout
- Institute for Risk Assessment SciencesUtrecht UniversityThe Netherlands
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McKenzie JF, El-Zaemey S, Carey RN. Prevalence of exposure to multiple occupational carcinogens among exposed workers in Australia. Occup Environ Med 2020; 78:oemed-2020-106629. [PMID: 32948666 DOI: 10.1136/oemed-2020-106629] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/18/2020] [Revised: 07/09/2020] [Accepted: 08/24/2020] [Indexed: 11/04/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Workers can be exposed to a range of different carcinogenic agents in the workplace. However, previous studies have often focused on prevalence of exposure to a single carcinogen, resulting in substantial knowledge gaps regarding the extent of multiple exposures in the workplace. This study aims to investigate the current prevalence of occupational exposure to multiple carcinogens among exposed workers in Australia. METHODS The data for this study come from the Australian Work Exposures Study, a nationwide cross-sectional telephone survey of Australian workers aged between 18 and 65. Information was collected about the respondents' current employment and numerous demographic factors using a web-based application (Occupational Integrated Database Exposure Assessment System) to conduct the interview, with predefined algorithms used to automatically assign exposures to carcinogens based on the respondents' job tasks. RESULTS The majority (81%) of exposed respondents were assessed as being probably exposed to more than one carcinogen, and 26% reported exposure to five or more carcinogens. We found that after adjusting for occupation, exposure to multiple carcinogens was more likely among male respondents, while older workers (aged between 55 and 65) were less likely to be exposed to multiple carcinogens. CONCLUSIONS This study provides information on the prevalence of exposure to multiple carcinogens in the general population that has not previously been reported. This information could be useful for the intervention and control of occupational exposures to the prioritised carcinogens identified in this study.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jennifer F McKenzie
- School of Public Health, Curtin University, Bentley, Western Australia, Australia
| | - Sonia El-Zaemey
- School of Public Health, Curtin University, Bentley, Western Australia, Australia
| | - Renee N Carey
- School of Public Health, Curtin University, Bentley, Western Australia, Australia
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Gosselin A, Daly A, El Zaemey S, Fritschi L, Glass D, Perez ER, Reid A. Does exposure to workplace hazards cluster by occupational or sociodemographic characteristics? An analysis of foreign-born workers in Australia. Am J Ind Med 2020; 63:803-816. [PMID: 32573821 DOI: 10.1002/ajim.23146] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/26/2020] [Revised: 05/29/2020] [Accepted: 05/29/2020] [Indexed: 01/13/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Disparities in exposure to occupational hazards may be linked to social position as well as the type of job a person holds. This study aimed to describe the prevalence of exposure to workplace hazards among three migrant worker groups and to assess whether social disparities in exposure for these groups remain after adjusting for occupational characteristics. METHODS Data were collected in 2017/2018 from 1630 Australian workers born in New Zealand, India, and the Philippines. Weighted estimated prevalence of exposure to 10 carcinogens and four psychosocial hazards (discrimination, job strain, vulnerability, and insecurity) was calculated for sociodemographics and occupation. Regression estimated the likelihood of exposure by sociodemographics after adjustment for occupational characteristics. RESULTS Exposure to workplace hazards ranged from 11.7% (discrimination) to 61.2% (exposed to at least one carcinogen). Compared with workers born in India, New Zealand born workers were over twice as likely to be exposed to diesel engine exhaust (adjusted odds ratio [aOR] = 2.60) and 60% more likely to be exposed to at least one carcinogen (aOR = 1.60) but less likely to be exposed to any psychosocial hazard. Social disparities by country of birth, sex, age, education, and number of years in Australia, as well as company size, employment type, and hours, worked remained associated with greater likelihood of reporting one or more workplace hazards after adjusting for occupational characteristics. CONCLUSION Examining sociodemographic as well as occupational characteristics helps to clarify groups most likely to be exposed to workplace hazards who can be hidden when examining occupational characteristics alone.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anne Gosselin
- Department of HealthFrench Collaborative Institute on Migration Paris France
- Social Epidemiology DepartmentIPLESP/INSERM Paris France
- SAGESUD Team, CEPED (Paris Descartes University—IRD)ERL Inserm SAGESUD Paris France
| | - Alison Daly
- School of Public HealthCurtin University Perth Western Australia Australia
| | - Sonia El Zaemey
- School of Public HealthCurtin University Perth Western Australia Australia
| | - Lin Fritschi
- School of Public HealthCurtin University Perth Western Australia Australia
| | - Deborah Glass
- School of Public Health and Preventive MedicineMonash University Melbourne Australia
| | - Elena Ronda Perez
- Public Health Research Group, Preventive Medicine and Public Health AreaUniversity of Alicante Alicante Spain
- Epidemiología y Salud PúblicaCIBERESP Madrid Spain
| | - Alison Reid
- School of Public HealthCurtin University Perth Western Australia Australia
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Labrèche F, Kim J, Song C, Pahwa M, Ge CB, Arrandale VH, McLeod CB, Peters CE, Lavoué J, Davies HW, Nicol AM, Demers PA. The current burden of cancer attributable to occupational exposures in Canada. Prev Med 2019; 122:128-139. [PMID: 31078166 DOI: 10.1016/j.ypmed.2019.03.016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/04/2023]
Abstract
Exposure to occupational carcinogens is often overlooked as a contributor to the burden of cancer. To estimate the proportion of cancer cases attributable to occupational exposure in Canada in 2011, exposure prevalence and levels of 44 carcinogens were informed by data from the Canadian carcinogen exposure surveillance project (CAREX Canada). These were used with Canadian Census (between 1961 and 2011) and Labour Force Survey (annual surveys between 1976 and 2013) data to estimate the number of workers ever exposed to occupational carcinogens. Risk estimates of the association between each carcinogen and cancer site were selected mainly from published literature reviews. Population attributable risks were estimated using Levin's equation and applied to the 2011 cancer statistics from the Canadian Cancer Registry. It is estimated that 15.5 million Canadians alive in 2011 were exposed, during at least one year between 1961 and 2001, to at least one carcinogen in the workplace. Overall, we estimated that in 2011, between 3.9% (95% CI: 3.1%-8.1%) and 4.2% (95% CI: 3.3%-8.7%) of all incident cases of cancer were due to occupational exposure, corresponding to lower and upper numbers of 7700-21,800 cases. Five of the cancer sites - mesothelioma, non-melanoma skin cancer, lung, female breast, and urinary bladder - account for a total of 7600 to 21,200 cancers attributable to occupational exposures such as solar radiation, asbestos, diesel engine exhaust, crystalline silica, and night shift work. Our study highlights cancer sites and occupational exposures that need recognition and efforts by all stakeholders to avoid preventable cancers in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- France Labrèche
- Institut de recherche Robert-Sauvé en santé et en sécurité du travail, Montréal, Québec, Canada; School of Public Health, Université de Montréal, Montréal, Québec, Canada
| | - Joanne Kim
- Occupational Cancer Research Centre (OCRC), Cancer Care Ontario, Toronto, Ontario, Canada; Department of Epidemiology, Biostatistics and Occupational Health, McGill University, Montréal, Quebec, Canada
| | - Chaojie Song
- Occupational Cancer Research Centre (OCRC), Cancer Care Ontario, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Manisha Pahwa
- Occupational Cancer Research Centre (OCRC), Cancer Care Ontario, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Calvin B Ge
- CAREX Canada, Simon Fraser University, Burnaby, British Columbia, Canada; Institute for Risk Assessment Sciences, Universiteit Utrecht, Utrecht, the Netherlands
| | - Victoria H Arrandale
- Occupational Cancer Research Centre (OCRC), Cancer Care Ontario, Toronto, Ontario, Canada; Dalla Lana School of Public Health, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Christopher B McLeod
- School of Population and Public Health, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, Canada; Institute for Work & Health, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Cheryl E Peters
- CAREX Canada, Simon Fraser University, Burnaby, British Columbia, Canada; Department of Cancer Epidemiology and Prevention Research, Alberta Health Services, Calgary, Alberta, Canada; Departments of Oncology and Community Health Sciences, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
| | - Jérôme Lavoué
- School of Public Health, Université de Montréal, Montréal, Québec, Canada; Centre de recherche du Centre hospitalier de l'Université de Montréal, Montréal, Québec, Canada
| | - Hugh W Davies
- CAREX Canada, Simon Fraser University, Burnaby, British Columbia, Canada; School of Population and Public Health, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, Canada
| | - Anne-Marie Nicol
- CAREX Canada, Simon Fraser University, Burnaby, British Columbia, Canada; Faculty of Health Sciences, Simon Fraser University, Burnaby, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Paul A Demers
- Occupational Cancer Research Centre (OCRC), Cancer Care Ontario, Toronto, Ontario, Canada; Dalla Lana School of Public Health, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada; School of Population and Public Health, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, Canada.
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Priority Setting for Occupational Cancer Prevention. Saf Health Work 2017; 9:133-139. [PMID: 29928525 PMCID: PMC6005921 DOI: 10.1016/j.shaw.2017.07.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/09/2016] [Accepted: 07/12/2017] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Selecting priority occupational carcinogens is important for cancer prevention efforts; however, standardized selection methods are not available. The objective of this paper was to describe the methods used by CAREX Canada in 2015 to establish priorities for preventing occupational cancer, with a focus on exposure estimation and descriptive profiles. Methods Four criteria were used in an expert assessment process to guide carcinogen prioritization: (1) the likelihood of presence and/or use in Canadian workplaces; (2) toxicity of the substance (strength of evidence for carcinogenicity and other health effects); (3) feasibility of producing a carcinogen profile and/or an occupational estimate; and (4) special interest from the public/scientific community. Carcinogens were ranked as high, medium or low priority based on specific conditions regarding these criteria, and stakeholder input was incorporated. Priorities were set separately for the creation of new carcinogen profiles and for new occupational exposure estimates. Results Overall, 246 agents were reviewed for inclusion in the occupational priorities list. For carcinogen profile generation, 103 were prioritized (11 high, 33 medium, and 59 low priority), and 36 carcinogens were deemed priorities for occupational exposure estimation (13 high, 17 medium, and 6 low priority). Conclusion Prioritizing and ranking occupational carcinogens is required for a variety of purposes, including research, resource allocation at different jurisdictional levels, calculations of occupational cancer burden, and planning of CAREX-type projects in different countries. This paper outlines how this process was achieved in Canada; this may provide a model for other countries and jurisdictions as a part of occupational cancer prevention efforts.
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Hall AL, Demers PA, Astrakianakis G, Ge C, Peters CE. Estimating National-Level Exposure to Antineoplastic Agents in the Workplace: CAREX Canada Findings and Future Research Needs. Ann Work Expo Health 2017; 61:656-658. [PMID: 28595280 PMCID: PMC6824530 DOI: 10.1093/annweh/wxx042] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/20/2017] [Revised: 04/29/2017] [Accepted: 05/11/2017] [Indexed: 12/29/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Occupational exposure to antineoplastic agents occurs in various environments and is associated with increased cancer risk and adverse reproductive outcomes. National-level information describing the location and extent of occupational exposure to antineoplastic agents is unavailable in Canada and most other countries. CAREX Canada aimed to estimate the prevalence and relative levels of occupational exposures to antineoplastic agents across work setting, occupation, and sex. METHODS 'Exposure' was defined as any potential for worker contact with antineoplastic agents. Baseline numbers of licensed workers were obtained from their respective professional bodies. For unlicensed workers, Census data or data extrapolated from human resources reports (e.g., staffing ratios) were used. Prevalence was estimated by combining population estimates with exposure proportions from peer-reviewed and grey literature. Exposure levels (classified as low, moderate, and high) by occupation and work setting were estimated qualitatively by combining estimates of contact frequency and exposure control practices. RESULTS Approximately 75000 Canadians (0.42% of the total workforce) are estimated as occupationally exposed to antineoplastic agents; over 75% are female. The largest occupational group exposed to antineoplastic agents is community pharmacy workers, with 30200 exposed. By work setting, 39000 workers (52% of all exposed) are located in non-hospital settings; the remaining 48% are exposed in hospitals. The majority (75%) of workers are in the moderate exposure category. CONCLUSIONS These estimates of the prevalence and location of occupational exposures to antineoplastic agents could be used to identify high-risk groups, estimate disease burden, and target new research and prevention activities. The limited secondary data available for developing these estimates highlights the need for increased quantitative measurement and documentation of antineoplastic agent contamination and exposure, particularly in work environments where use is emerging.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amy L. Hall
- School of Population and Public Health, University of British Columbia, 2206 East Mall, Vancouver, British Columbia V6T 1Z3, Canada
| | - Paul A. Demers
- Occupational Cancer Research Centre, Cancer Care Ontario, B525 University Avenue, 3rd Floor, Toronto, Ontario M5G 2L3, Canada
| | - George Astrakianakis
- School of Population and Public Health, University of British Columbia, 2206 East Mall, Vancouver, British Columbia V6T 1Z3, Canada
| | - Calvin Ge
- Institute for Risk Assessment Sciences, Utrecht University, Yalelaan 2, 3584 CM, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Cheryl E. Peters
- Department of Health Sciences, Carleton University, 1125 Colonel By Dr., 5411 Herzberg Building, Ottawa, Ontario K1S 5B6, Canada
- CAREX Canada, Simon Fraser University, 105 - 515 W. Hastings St., Downtown Campus, Vancouver, British Columbia V6B 5K3, Canada
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Labrèche F, Duguay P, Boucher A, Arcand R. But other than mesothelioma? An estimate of the proportion of work-related cancers in Quebec. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2016; 23:e144-9. [PMID: 27122983 DOI: 10.3747/co.23.2812] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/20/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND More than 30 exposures in the workplace are proven carcinogens. In the present study, we aimed to estimate the burden of occupational cancer in Quebec so as to increase awareness among stakeholders and to prioritize research activities. METHODS Work-attributable fractions-that is, the proportions of cancers attributable to work-as published in Finland and the United Kingdom were applied to Quebec 2002-2006 cancer incidence and mortality data to estimate the number of work-related cases for 28 cancer sites. RESULTS Overall, 6.0% of incident cancers (men: 9.1%; women: 2.7%) and 7.6% of cancer deaths (men: 11.8%; women: 2.8%) could be attributable to work, resulting annually in an average of 2160 new cancer diagnoses and 1190 cancer deaths in Quebec. Incident cancers of the lung, prostate, skin, bladder, and (female) breast were the most numerous; cancer sites resulting in more deaths were lung, (female) breast, and pleura. During the same period, compensation statistics reported annual averages of 94.3 incident cancers and 61.9 cancer deaths, mostly involving mesothelioma (64% of compensated incident cancers) and lung cancer (30% of compensated incident cancers). CONCLUSIONS Increased recognition of workplace cancers by all stakeholders, from workers and employers to treating physicians, will foster appropriate preventive measures for safer workplaces.
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Affiliation(s)
- F Labrèche
- Chemical and Biological Hazards Prevention, Institut de recherche Robert-Sauvé en santé et en sécurité du travail (irsst), Montreal, QC;; Departments of Environmental and Occupational Health and of Social and Preventive Medicine, School of Public Health, Université de Montréal, Montreal, QC
| | - P Duguay
- Scientific Division, irsst , Montreal, QC
| | - A Boucher
- Scientific Division, irsst , Montreal, QC
| | - R Arcand
- Occupational Health Unit, Institut national de santé publique du Québec, Montreal, QC
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Boyle T, Carey RN, Glass DC, Peters S, Fritschi L, Reid A. Prevalence of occupational exposure to carcinogens among workers of Arabic, Chinese and Vietnamese ancestry in Australia. Am J Ind Med 2015; 58:923-32. [PMID: 26094761 DOI: 10.1002/ajim.22428] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 12/19/2014] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Although job-related diseases result in more deaths per year than job-related injuries, most research concerning ethnic minority workers has concerned accidents and injuries rather than disease-causing exposures such as carcinogens. METHODS We conducted a telephone-based cross-sectional survey to estimate the prevalence of occupational exposure to carcinogens among a sample of ethnic minority workers in Australia, and compared their exposure prevalence to that of a sample of the general Australian-born working population ('Australian workers'). RESULTS One-third of the ethnic minority workers were exposed to at least one carcinogen at work. The likelihood of exposure to carcinogens was not significantly different from that of Australian workers, although the likelihood of exposure to individual carcinogens varied by ethnicity. CONCLUSION Knowing the prevalence of exposure to carcinogens in the workplace in different ethnic groups will allow better targeted and informed occupational health and safety measures to be implemented where necessary.
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Affiliation(s)
- Terry Boyle
- Cancer Control Research; British Columbia Cancer Agency; Vancouver British Columbia Canada
- School of Population and Public Health; The University of British Columbia; Vancouver British Columbia Canada
- Harry Perkins Institute of Medical Research; The University of Western Australia; Perth Western Australia Australia
| | - Renee N. Carey
- School of Public Health; Curtin University; Perth Western Australia Australia
| | - Deborah C. Glass
- Department of Epidemiology and Preventive Medicine; Monash University; Melbourne Victoria Australia
| | - Susan Peters
- School of Population Health; The University of Western Australia; Perth Western Australia Australia
| | - Lin Fritschi
- School of Public Health; Curtin University; Perth Western Australia Australia
| | - Alison Reid
- School of Public Health; Curtin University; Perth Western Australia Australia
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Association between Occupational Exposure to Wood Dust and Cancer: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis. PLoS One 2015; 10:e0133024. [PMID: 26191795 PMCID: PMC4507857 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0133024] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/09/2014] [Accepted: 06/22/2015] [Indexed: 12/03/2022] Open
Abstract
Objective To perform a systematic review to analyze the association between occupational exposure to wood dust and cancer. Methods A systematic literature search of entries made in the MEDLINE-PubMed database between 1957 and 2013 was conducted to identify studies that had assessed the relationship between occupational exposure to wood dust and different types of cancer. A meta-analysis of selected case-control and cohort studies was subsequently performed. Results A total of 114 studies were identified and 70 were selected for review. Of these, 42 studies focused on the relationship between wood dust and nasal cancer (n = 22), lung cancer (n = 11), and other types of cancer (n = 9). Low-to-moderate quality evidence that wood dust acts as a carcinogen was obtained, and a stronger association between wood dust and nasal adenocarcinoma was observed. A lesser association between wood dust exposure and lung cancer was also observed. Several studies suggested that there is a relationship between wood dust and the onset of other cancers, although there was no evidence to establish an association. A meta-analysis that included four case-controls studies showed that workers exposed to wood dust exhibited higher rates of nasal adenocarcinoma than other workers (odds ratio = 10.28; 95% confidence interval: 5.92 and 17.85; P<0,0001), although a large degree of heterogeneity was found. Conclusions Low-to-moderate quality evidence supports a causal association between cancer and occupational exposure to wood dust, and this association was stronger for nasal adenocarcinoma than for lung cancer. There was no evidence of an association between wood dust exposure and the other cancers examined.
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