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Madl AK, Keeton K. Slovakian glass fibre factory genotoxicity biomonitoring study - unsupported adverse outcome pathway (AOP) from the toxicology and human epidemiological experience of synthetic vitreous fibres (SVFs). MUTATION RESEARCH. GENETIC TOXICOLOGY AND ENVIRONMENTAL MUTAGENESIS 2024; 896:503769. [PMID: 38821677 DOI: 10.1016/j.mrgentox.2024.503769] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/20/2023] [Revised: 02/28/2024] [Accepted: 05/16/2024] [Indexed: 06/02/2024]
Abstract
The article by Ceppi and colleagues, Genotoxic Effects of Occupational Exposure to, Glass Fibres - A Human Biomonitoring Study, published in Mutation Research -Genetic Toxicology and Environmental Mutagenesis in 2023 was reviewed with great interest. The authors undertook a novel approach to conducting a biomonitoring study of genotoxicity markers among a population of glass fibre manufacturing workers in Slovakia. On the surface, the Ceppi et al. (2023) study provides an interesting application of genotoxicity markers among a human population of workers to explore potential markers of effect (DNA strand breaks) and potential risk of susceptibility (e.g., genetic damage, disease, death). However, limited data for exposure reconstruction, uncertain influences from smoking history, and lack of consideration of decades of human epidemiology research showing no increased risk of malignant or non-malignant respiratory disease and mortality among glass fibre manufacturing workers, reveals that the conclusions of the authors are overreaching and inconsistent with the existing science. The limitations of this study preclude the ability to draw causal inferences or conclusions about DNA strand breaks as a marker of exposure, effect, or susceptibility within this population of Slovakian glass fibre workers. Further longitudinal research is required (e.g., more robust temporal assessment of occupational exposures - fibres and other compounds - and smoking history) to support the study conclusions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amy K Madl
- Valeo Sciences LLC, 333 Corporate Drive, Suite 130, Ladera Ranch, CA 92694, USA.
| | - Kara Keeton
- Valeo Sciences LLC, 333 Corporate Drive, Suite 130, Ladera Ranch, CA 92694, USA
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Ceppi M, Smolkova B, Buocikova V, Rundén-Pran E, El Yamani N, Longhin EM, Murugadoss S, Staruchova M, Barancokova M, Volkovova K, Halašová E, Kyrtopoulos S, Bonassi S, Collins A, Dusinska M. DNA damaging effects of occupational exposure to glass fibres. Response to Madl and Keeton paper. MUTATION RESEARCH. GENETIC TOXICOLOGY AND ENVIRONMENTAL MUTAGENESIS 2024; 896:503770. [PMID: 38821672 DOI: 10.1016/j.mrgentox.2024.503770] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/02/2024]
Affiliation(s)
- Marcello Ceppi
- Biostatistics Unit, San Martino Policlinic Hospital, Genoa, Italy.
| | - Bozena Smolkova
- Cancer Research Institute, Biomedical Research Center, Slovak Academy of Sciences, Slovakia.
| | - Verona Buocikova
- Cancer Research Institute, Biomedical Research Center, Slovak Academy of Sciences, Slovakia.
| | - Elise Rundén-Pran
- Health Effects Laboratory, Department for Environmental Chemistry, NILU - Norwegian Institute for Air Research, Kjeller, Norway.
| | - Naouale El Yamani
- Health Effects Laboratory, Department for Environmental Chemistry, NILU - Norwegian Institute for Air Research, Kjeller, Norway.
| | - Eleonora Marta Longhin
- Health Effects Laboratory, Department for Environmental Chemistry, NILU - Norwegian Institute for Air Research, Kjeller, Norway.
| | - Sivakumar Murugadoss
- Health Effects Laboratory, Department for Environmental Chemistry, NILU - Norwegian Institute for Air Research, Kjeller, Norway.
| | - Marta Staruchova
- Department of Biology, Faculty of Medicine, Slovak Medical University, Bratislava, Slovakia.
| | - Magdalena Barancokova
- Department of Biology, Faculty of Medicine, Slovak Medical University, Bratislava, Slovakia.
| | - Katarina Volkovova
- Department of Biology, Faculty of Medicine, Slovak Medical University, Bratislava, Slovakia.
| | - Erika Halašová
- Biomedical Center Martin, Jessenius Faculty of Medicine in Martin, Comenius University in Bratislava, Martin, Slovakia.
| | - Soterios Kyrtopoulos
- Institute of Biology, Medicinal Chemistry, and Biotechnology, National Hellenic Research Foundation, Athens, Greece.
| | - Stefano Bonassi
- IRCCS San Raffaele Pisana, Unit of Clinical and Molecular Epidemiology, Rome, Italy.
| | - Andrew Collins
- Department of Nutrition, Institute of Basic Medical Sciences, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway.
| | - Maria Dusinska
- Health Effects Laboratory, Department for Environmental Chemistry, NILU - Norwegian Institute for Air Research, Kjeller, Norway.
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Moitra S, Tabrizi AF, Khadour F, Henderson L, Melenka L, Lacy P. Exposure to insulating materials and risk of coronary artery diseases: a cross-sectional study. Front Public Health 2023; 11:1235189. [PMID: 37608979 PMCID: PMC10441239 DOI: 10.3389/fpubh.2023.1235189] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/05/2023] [Accepted: 07/18/2023] [Indexed: 08/24/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Although previous reports link exposure to insulating materials with an increased risk of mesothelioma and chronic respiratory diseases, studies evaluating their associations with the risk of coronary artery diseases (CAD) are lacking. Aims We aimed at evaluating the associations between exposure to insulating materials and the 10-year risk of CAD among insulators. Methods In this cross-sectional study, we recruited 643 adults (≥18 years), full-time insulators from the Local 110 Heat and Frost Insulators and Allied Workers Union in Edmonton, Alberta. We obtained demographic information, personal and family history, and job-exposure history, including experience (years) and types of exposure to insulating materials. Clinical profiling including Framingham risk scores (FRS) was assessed. Results Of all insulators, 89% were men (mean ± SD age: 47 ± 12 years), 27% had a parental history of cardiac diseases, and 22% had a comorbid chronic respiratory disease. In total, 53% reported exposure to asbestos, while 61, 82, and 94% reported exposure to ceramic fibers, fiberglass, and mineral fibers, respectively. In single-exposure multivariable regression models adjusted for experience, marital status, and body mass index (BMI), asbestos was found to be associated with higher FRS (β: 1.004; 95%CI: 0.003-2.00). The association remained consistent in multi-exposure models and a higher association was found between asbestos exposure and FRS among insulators with comorbid chronic respiratory disease. Conclusion Our study demonstrates that apart from cancer and chronic respiratory diseases, asbestos exposure may also have a cardiac effect, thus warranting the need for systematic surveillance to protect workers from the adverse effects of these materials.
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Affiliation(s)
- Subhabrata Moitra
- Alberta Respiratory Centre and Division of Pulmonary Medicine, Department of Medicine, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, Canada
| | - Ali Farshchi Tabrizi
- Alberta Respiratory Centre and Division of Pulmonary Medicine, Department of Medicine, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, Canada
| | - Fadi Khadour
- Synergy Respiratory and Cardiac Care, Sherwood Park, AB, Canada
| | - Linda Henderson
- Synergy Respiratory and Cardiac Care, Sherwood Park, AB, Canada
| | - Lyle Melenka
- Synergy Respiratory and Cardiac Care, Sherwood Park, AB, Canada
| | - Paige Lacy
- Alberta Respiratory Centre and Division of Pulmonary Medicine, Department of Medicine, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, Canada
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Suder Egnot N, Allen H, Hazan R, Vater MF, Denic-Roberts H, LeClaire R, Marsh GM. Systematic review of epidemiological studies evaluating the association between exposure to man-made vitreous fibers and non-malignant respiratory diseases. Regul Toxicol Pharmacol 2023; 139:105361. [PMID: 36806369 DOI: 10.1016/j.yrtph.2023.105361] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/24/2022] [Revised: 01/23/2023] [Accepted: 02/15/2023] [Indexed: 02/20/2023]
Abstract
This study aimed to systematically review and synthesize epidemiological evidence evaluating the association between occupational man-made vitreous fiber (MMVF) exposure and non-malignant respiratory disease (NMRD). We searched PubMed and Scopus databases to identify epidemiological studies evaluating the association between occupational MMVF exposure (limited to insulation wools) and at least 1 NMRD outcome published prior to January 2023. A total of 23 studies met our inclusion criteria. Studies of NMRD mortality among workers with MMVF exposure (n = 9) predominately reported null findings. Qualitative and quantitative synthesis of evidence from these studies suggests that MMVF exposure is not associated with elevated risk of NMRD mortality. The remaining 14 studies evaluated NMRD morbidity, specifically self-reported respiratory symptoms and/or subclinical measures of respiratory disease. Our review did not identify any consistent or compelling evidence of an association between MMVF exposure and any NMRD morbidity outcome; however, this body of evidence was largely limited by cross-sectional design, self-reported exposure and/or outcome ascertainment, incomplete statistical analysis and reporting, and questionable generalizability given that 13/14 studies were published over 20 years ago. We recommend that future studies aim to overcome the limitations of this literature to more accurately characterize the association between occupational MMVF exposure and NMRD morbidity.
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Maxim LD, Utell MJ. Review of refractory ceramic fiber (RCF) toxicity, epidemiology and occupational exposure. Inhal Toxicol 2018; 30:49-71. [PMID: 29564943 DOI: 10.1080/08958378.2018.1448019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
Abstract
This literature review on refractory ceramic fibers (RCF) summarizes relevant information on manufacturing, processing, applications, occupational exposure, toxicology and epidemiology studies. Rodent toxicology studies conducted in the 1980s showed that RCF caused fibrosis, lung cancer and mesothelioma. Interpretation of these studies was difficult for various reasons (e.g. overload in chronic inhalation bioassays), but spurred the development of a comprehensive product stewardship program under EPA and later OSHA oversight. Epidemiology studies (both morbidity and mortality) were undertaken to learn more about possible health effects resulting from occupational exposure. No chronic animal bioassay studies on RCF have been conducted since the 1980s. The results of the ongoing epidemiology studies confirm that occupational exposure to RCF is associated with the development of pleural plaques and minor decrements in lung function, but no interstitial fibrosis or incremental lung cancer. Evidence supporting a finding that urinary tumors are associated with RCF exposure remains, but is weaker. One reported, but unconfirmed, mesothelioma was found in an individual with prior occupational asbestos exposure. An elevated SMR for leukemia was found, but was absent in the highly exposed group and has not been observed in studies of other mineral fibers. The industry will continue the product stewardship program including the mortality study.
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Affiliation(s)
- L Daniel Maxim
- a Everest Consulting Associates , West Windsor , NJ , USA
| | - Mark J Utell
- b University of Rochester School of Medicine and Dentistry , Rochester , NY , USA
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Insulation fiber deposition in the airways of men and rats. A review of experimental and computational studies. Regul Toxicol Pharmacol 2018; 94:252-270. [PMID: 29444452 DOI: 10.1016/j.yrtph.2018.01.021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/22/2017] [Revised: 01/07/2018] [Accepted: 01/24/2018] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
The typical insulation rock, slag and glass wool fibers are high volume materials. Current exposure levels in industry (generally ≤ 1 fiber/cm3 with a median diameter ∼1 μm and length ≥10 μm) are not considered carcinogenic or causing other types of severe lung effects. However, epidemiological studies are not informative on effects in humans at fiber levels >1 fiber/cm3. Effects may be inferred from valid rat studies, conducted with rat respirable fibers (diameter ≤ 1.5 μm). Therefore, we estimate delivery and deposition in human and rat airways of the industrial fibers. The deposition fractions in humans head regions by nasal (∼0.20) and by mouth breathing (≤0.08) are lower than in rats (0.50). The delivered dose into the lungs per unit lung surface area during a 1-day exposure at a similar air concentration is estimated to be about two times higher in humans than in rats. The deposition fractions in human lungs by nasal (∼0.20) and by mouth breathing (∼0.40) are higher than in rats (∼0.04). The human lung deposition may be up to three times by nasal breathing and up to six times higher by oral breathing than in rats, qualifying assessment factor setting for deposition.
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Mansour E, Loxton C, Elias RM, Ormondroyd GA. Assessment of health implications related to processing and use of natural wool insulation products. ENVIRONMENT INTERNATIONAL 2014; 73:402-412. [PMID: 25240116 DOI: 10.1016/j.envint.2014.08.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/07/2014] [Revised: 08/04/2014] [Accepted: 08/05/2014] [Indexed: 06/03/2023]
Abstract
This paper discusses possible health implications related to dust particles released during the manufacture of sheep's wool-based non-woven insulation material. Such insulation may replace traditional synthetic insulation products used in roofs, wall cavities, etc. A review of the literature concerning organic dusts in general and sheep's wool fiber summarizes dust exposure patterns, toxicological pathways and the hazards imposed by inhalation and explosion risk. This paper highlights a need for more research in order to refrain from overgeneralizing potential pulmonary and carcinogenic risks across the industries. Variables existing between industries such as the use of different wool types, processes, and additives are shown to have varying health effects. Within the final section of the paper, the health issues raised are compared with those that have been extensively documented for the rock and glass wool industries.
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Affiliation(s)
- E Mansour
- The BioComposites Centre, Bangor University, Deiniol Road, Bangor, Gwynedd, LL57 2UW, United Kingdom.
| | - C Loxton
- The BioComposites Centre, Bangor University, Deiniol Road, Bangor, Gwynedd, LL57 2UW, United Kingdom.
| | - R M Elias
- The BioComposites Centre, Bangor University, Deiniol Road, Bangor, Gwynedd, LL57 2UW, United Kingdom.
| | - G A Ormondroyd
- The BioComposites Centre, Bangor University, Deiniol Road, Bangor, Gwynedd, LL57 2UW, United Kingdom.
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Marsh GM, Buchanich JM, Youk AO. Fiber glass exposure and human respiratory system cancer risk: Lack of evidence persists since 2001 IARC re-evaluation. Regul Toxicol Pharmacol 2011; 60:84-92. [DOI: 10.1016/j.yrtph.2011.02.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/22/2010] [Revised: 02/15/2011] [Accepted: 02/16/2011] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
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Andersen K, Hawgood J, Klieve H, Kõlves K, De Leo D. Suicide in selected occupations in Queensland: evidence from the State suicide register. Aust N Z J Psychiatry 2010; 44:243-9. [PMID: 20180726 DOI: 10.3109/00048670903487142] [Citation(s) in RCA: 74] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Prior research has suggested an association between suicide and certain occupations. The aim of the present study was to report on suicide rates in selected occupations in Queensland (QLD). METHOD Suicide mortality data from the QLD Suicide Register and population data from the Australian Bureau of Statistics were obtained for the period 1990-2006. Suicide rates were calculated for each occupational group and compared to rates within the general population (15-64 year age group) and the employed population of QLD. RESULTS There was significantly higher risk of suicide for male subjects in the agricultural, transport and construction sectors of QLD. High suicide rates were also found in female nurses, artists, agricultural workers and cleaners, while education professionals (of both genders) appeared at lower risk. CONCLUSIONS The significantly higher suicide rates for employees of the agriculture, construction, and transport industries indicate a need for further research into the occupation-specific conditions and individual or other social-environmental factors that may accentuate suicide risk within these professions. Use of higher quality occupational data is also warranted in future studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kirsty Andersen
- Australian Institute for Suicide Research and Prevention, Griffith University, Mt Gravatt Campus, Qld 4122, Australia. d.deleo@griffi th.edu.au
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Sripaiboonkij P, Sripaiboonkij N, Phanprasit W, Jaakkola MS. Respiratory and skin health among glass microfiber production workers: a cross-sectional study. Environ Health 2009; 8:36. [PMID: 19689806 PMCID: PMC2739167 DOI: 10.1186/1476-069x-8-36] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/11/2008] [Accepted: 08/18/2009] [Indexed: 05/28/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Only a few studies have investigated non-malignant respiratory effects of glass microfibers and these have provided inconsistent results. Our objective was to assess the effects of exposure to glass microfibers on respiratory and skin symptoms, asthma and lung function. METHODS A cross-sectional study of 102 workers from a microfiber factory (response rate 100%) and 76 office workers (73%) from four factories in Thailand was conducted. They answered a questionnaire on respiratory health, occupational exposures, and lifestyle factors, and performed spirometry. Measurements of respirable dust were available from 2004 and 2005. RESULTS Workers exposed to glass microfibers experienced increased risk of cough (adjusted OR 2.04), wheezing (adjOR 2.20), breathlessness (adjOR 4.46), nasal (adjOR 2.13) and skin symptoms (adjOR 3.89) and ever asthma (adjOR 3.51), the risks of breathlessness (95%CI 1.68-11.86) and skin symptoms (1.70-8.90) remaining statistically significant after adjustment for confounders. There was an exposure-response relation between the risk of breathlessness and skin symptoms and increasing level of microfiber exposure. Workers exposed to sensitizing chemicals, including phenol-formaldehyde resin, experienced increased risk of cough (3.43, 1.20-9.87) and nasal symptoms (3.07, 1.05-9.00). CONCLUSION This study provides evidence that exposure to glass microfibers increases the risk of respiratory and skin symptoms, and has an exposure-response relation with breathlessness and skin symptoms. Exposure to sensitizing chemicals increased the risk of cough and nasal symptoms. The results suggest that occupational exposure to glass microfibers is related to non-malignant adverse health effects, and that implementing exposure control measures in these industries could protect the health of employees.
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Affiliation(s)
- Penpatra Sripaiboonkij
- Institute of Occupational and Environmental Medicine, University of Birmingham, Edgbaston, Birmingham, UK
| | - Nintita Sripaiboonkij
- Cancer Center, Ramathibodhi Hospital, Faculty of Medicine, Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Wantanee Phanprasit
- Department of Occupational Health and Safety, Faculty of Public Health, Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Maritta S Jaakkola
- Respiratory Medicine Unit, Dept. of Internal Medicine, Institute of Clinical Medicine, University of Oulu, P.O. Box 5000, FI-90014 University of Oulu, Oulu, Finland, and Oulu University Hospital, Oulu, Finland
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Torén K, Bergdahl IA, Nilsson T, Järvholm B. Occupational exposure to particulate air pollution and mortality due to ischaemic heart disease and cerebrovascular disease. Occup Environ Med 2007; 64:515-9. [PMID: 17303673 PMCID: PMC2078490 DOI: 10.1136/oem.2006.029488] [Citation(s) in RCA: 74] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/04/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES A growing number of epidemiological studies are showing that ambient exposure to particulate matter air pollution is a risk factor for cardiovascular disease; however, whether occupational exposure increases this risk is not clear. The aim of the present study was to examine whether occupational exposure to particulate air pollution increases the risk for ischaemic heart disease and cerebrovascular disease. METHODS The study population was a cohort of 176,309 occupationally exposed Swedish male construction workers and 71,778 unexposed male construction workers. The definition of exposure to inorganic dust (asbestos, man-made mineral fibres, dust from cement, concrete and quartz), wood dust, fumes (metal fumes, asphalt fumes and diesel exhaust) and gases and irritants (organic solvents and reactive chemicals) was based on a job-exposure matrix with focus on exposure in the mid-1970s. The cohort was followed from 1971 to 2002 with regard to mortality to ischaemic heart disease and cerebrovascular disease. Relative risks (RR) were obtained by the person-years method and from Poisson regression models adjusting for baseline values of blood pressure, body mass index, age and smoking habits. RESULTS Any occupational particulate air pollution was associated with an increased risk for ischemic heart disease (RR 1.13, 95% CI 1.07 to 1.19), but there was no increased risk for cerebrovascular disease (RR 0.97, 95% CI 0.88 to 1.07). There was an increased risk for ischaemic heart disease and exposure to inorganic dust (RR 1.07, 95% CI 1.03 to 1.12) and exposure to fumes (RR 1.05, 95% CI 1.00 to 1.10), especially diesel exhaust (RR 1.18, 95% CI 1.13 to 1.24). There was no significantly increased risk for cerebrovascular disease and exposure to inorganic dust, fumes or wood dust. CONCLUSIONS Occupational exposure to particulate air pollution, especially diesel exhaust, among construction workers increases the risk for ischaemic heart disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kjell Torén
- Department of Occupational and Environmental Medicine, Sahlgrenska University Hospital, Göteborg, Sweden.
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Geiser M, Matter M, Maye I, Im Hof V, Gehr P, Schürch S. Influence of airspace geometry and surfactant on the retention of man-made vitreous fibers (MMVF 10a). ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH PERSPECTIVES 2003; 111:895-901. [PMID: 12782489 PMCID: PMC1241522 DOI: 10.1289/ehp.5888] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/24/2023]
Abstract
Inhaled and deposited man-made vitreous fibers (MMVF) 10a (low-fluorine preparation of Schuller 901 insulation glass) were studied by electron microscopy in hamster lungs, fixed by intravascular perfusion within 23 +/- 2 min (SD) of the initial inhalation. We found fibers on the surfaces of conducting airways and alveoli. In the airways, 89% of the fibers were totally and 11% partially covered by lining-layer material. In the alveoli, 32% of the fibers were totally submersed; others touched the alveolar wall, stuck at one end, bridging the airspace. Studies in a surface balance showed that fibers were immersed into the aqueous subphase by approximately 50% at film surface tensions of 20-25 mJ/m2) and were submersed (totally immersed; i.e., totally surrounded by fluid) at approximately 10 mJ/m2). Fibers were also found to be phagocytosed by macrophages. We found a substantial number of particle profiles within alveolar blood capillaries. Fiber length and alveolar geometry appear to be important limiting factors for the submersion of vitreous fibers into the lungs' surface lining layer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marianne Geiser
- Institute of Anatomy, Division of Histology, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland.
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LeMasters GK, Lockey JE, Yiin JH, Hilbert TJ, Levin LS, Rice CH. Mortality of workers occupationally exposed to refractory ceramic fibers. J Occup Environ Med 2003; 45:440-50. [PMID: 12708148 DOI: 10.1097/01.jom.0000052968.43131.b5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
This study was prompted by refractory ceramic fibers (RCF) inhalation studies at high dose levels in animals that demonstrated positive effects for lung fibrosis, mesothelioma, and lung cancer. Current and former male workers employed between 1952 and 2000 at two RCF manufacturing facilities were followed to investigate a possible excess in mortality. The mortality analytic methods included: (1) standardized mortality ratios comparing this cohort to the general and state populations, and (2) a proportional hazards model that relates risk of death to the lifetime cumulative fiber-months/cc exposure among the RCF cohort, adjusted for age at hire and for race. There was no excess mortality related to all deaths, all cancers, or malignancies or diseases of the respiratory system including mesothelioma, but there was a statistically significant association with cancers of the urinary organs SMR = 344.8 (95% CL of 111.6, 805.4). The quality of the data for job history, exposure, and smoking history were very high. Although the cohort was relatively small and young with an average age of 51, the mean latency period was over 21 years. Because of these limitations, the preliminary findings warrant the continuation of this mortality registry for future analyses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Grace Kawas LeMasters
- Department of Environmental Health, Division of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, 3223 Eden Ave., Kettering Building, ML 0056, Cincinnati, OH 45267-0056, USA.
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Berrigan D. Respiratory cancer and exposure to man-made vitreous fibers: a systematic review. Am J Ind Med 2002; 42:354-62. [PMID: 12271483 DOI: 10.1002/ajim.10111] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/07/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Man-made vitreous fibers (MMVF's) have some structural features similar to those found in asbestos. This has lead to concern that exposure to MMVF's could increase the risk of respiratory cancer. METHODS Bibliographic resources were used to identify 10 case-control and 10 cohort studies, which analyzed the relationship between exposure to MMVF's and cancer of the respiratory system. Standardized mortality ratio's (SMR's) were extracted from the cohort studies for a meta-analysis. RESULTS A significant increase in SMR was observed for workers exposed to rock and glass wool, but not in workers exposed to glass filament. Meta-analysis of SMR's after stratification by fiber type resulted in aggregate estimates of risk of 1.23 (95% CI = 1.10-1.38), 1.08 (95% CI = 0.93-1.26), and 1.32 (95% CI = 1.15-1.52) for exposure to glass wool, glass filament, and rock wool, respectively. Some or all of the increased mortality could be attributed to tobacco use. CONCLUSIONS The results highlight the difficulty of assessing small increases in risk of respiratory cancer potentially caused by occupational exposure in populations with high prevalence of tobacco use.
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Affiliation(s)
- David Berrigan
- Cancer Prevention Fellowship Program, Division of Cancer Prevention, National Cancer Institute, Executive Plaza North, Executive Blvd., Bethesda, Maryland 20892-7344, USA.
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Marsh GM, Youk AO, Stone RA, Buchanich JM, Gula MJ, Smith TJ, Quinn MM. Historical cohort study of US man-made vitreous fiber production workers: I. 1992 fiberglass cohort follow-up: initial findings. J Occup Environ Med 2001; 43:741-56. [PMID: 11561358 DOI: 10.1097/00043764-200109000-00004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 47] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
This 1986 to 1992 update and expansion of an earlier historical cohort study examined the 1946 to 1992 mortality experience of 32,110 workers employed for 1 year or more during 1945 to 1978 at any of 10 US fiberglass (FG) manufacturing plants. Included are (1) a new historical exposure reconstruction for respirable glass fibers and several co-exposures (arsenic, asbestos, asphalt, epoxy, formaldehyde, polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons, phenolics, silica, styrene, and urea); and (2) a nested, matched case-control study of 631 respiratory system cancer (RSC) deaths in male workers during 1970 to 1992 with interview data on tobacco smoking history. Our findings to date from external comparisons based on standardized mortality ratios (SMRs) in the cohort study provide no evidence of excess mortality risk from all causes combined, all cancers combined, and non-malignant respiratory disease. Also, excluding RSC, we observed no evidence of excess mortality risk from any of the other cause-of-death categories considered. For RSC among the total cohort, we observed a 6% excess (P = 0.05) based on 874 deaths. Among long-term workers (5 or more years of employment) we observed a not statistically significant 3% excess based on 496 deaths. Among the total cohort, we observed increases in RSC SMRs with calendar time and time since first employment, but these were less pronounced among long-term workers. RSC SMRs were not related to duration of employment among the total cohort or long-term workers. In an externally controlled analysis of male workers at risk between 1970 and 1992, we observed no association between RSC SMRs and increasing exposure to respirable FG. Our findings to date from internal comparisons based on rate ratios in the case-control study of RSC were limited to analyses of categorized study variables with and without adjustment for smoking. On the basis of these analyses, the duration of exposure and cumulative exposure to respirable FG at the levels encountered at the study plants did not appear to be associated with an increased risk of RSC. RSC risk also did not seem to increase with time since first employment. There is some evidence of elevated RSC risk associated with non-baseline levels of average intensity of exposure to respirable glass, but when adjusted for smoking this was not statistically significant, and there was no apparent trend with increasing exposure. This same pattern of findings was observed for duration of exposure, cumulative exposure, and average intensity of exposure to formaldehyde. None of the other individual co-exposures encountered in the study plants appeared to be associated with an increased risk of RSC. The primary focus of ongoing analyses is to determine the extent to which our present findings are robust to alternative characterizations of exposure.
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Affiliation(s)
- G M Marsh
- Department of Biostatistics, Graduate School of Public Health, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA 15261, USA.
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