Organic solvents and cancer

Lynge, E; Anttila, A; Hemminki, K

HERO ID

630734

Reference Type

Journal Article

Subtype

Review

Year

1997

Language

English

PMID

9498902

HERO ID 630734
Material Type Review
In Press No
Year 1997
Title Organic solvents and cancer
Authors Lynge, E; Anttila, A; Hemminki, K
Journal Cancer Causes and Control
Volume 8
Issue 3
Page Numbers 406-419
Abstract Epidemiologic evidence on the relationship between organic solvents and cancer is reviewed. In the 1980s, more than a million persons were potentially exposed to some specific solvents in the United States; in Canada, 40 percent of male cancer patients in Montreal had experienced exposure to solvents; in the Finnish population, one percent was regularly exposed. There is evidence for increased risks of cancer following exposure to: trichloroethylene (for the liver and biliary tract and for non-Hodgkin's lymphomas); tetrachloroethylene (for the esophagus and cervix--although confounding by smoking, alcohol, and sexual habits cannot be excluded--and non-Hodgkin's lymphoma); and carbon tetrachloride (lymphohematopoietic malignancies). An excess risk of liver and biliary tract cancers was suggested in the cohort with the high exposure to methylene chloride, but not found in the other cohorts where an excess risk of pancreatic cancer was suggested. 1,1,1-trichloroethane has been used widely, but only a few studies have been done suggesting a risk of multiple myeloma. A causal association between exposure to benzene and an increased risk of leukemia is well-established, as well as a suggested risk of lung and nasopharynx cancer in a Chinese cohort. Increased risks of various gastrointestinal cancers have been suggested following exposure to toluene. Two informative studies indicated an increased risk of lung cancer, not supported by other studies. Increased risks of lymphohematopoietic malignancies have been reported in some studies of persons exposed to toluene or xylene, but not in the two most informative studies on toluene. Occupation as a painter has consistently been associated with a 40 percent increased risk of lung cancer. (With the mixed exposures, however, it is not possible to identify the specific causative agent[s].) A large number of studies of workers exposed to styrene have evidenced no consistent excess risk of all lymphohematopoietic malignancies, although the most sensitive study suggested an excess risk of leukemia among workers with a high exposure.
Doi 10.1023/A:1018461406120
Pmid 9498902
Wosid WOS:A1997XG20200012
Url https://search.proquest.com/docview/16263652?accountid=171501
Is Certified Translation No
Dupe Override No
Is Public Yes
Language Text English
Keyword Malignant neoplasms; organic solvents
Is Qa No