Colorectal cancer incidence among polypropylene manufacturing workers. An update.
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.
Lewis
R J
RJ
Exxon Biomedical Sciences, Inc, East Millstone, New Jersey 08875-2350.
Schnatter
A R
AR
Lerman
S E
SE
D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D002617:Chemical Industry / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D015331:Cohort Studies; D015179:Colorectal Neoplasms / Q000139:chemically induced* / Q000453:epidemiology*; D006801:Humans; D015994:Incidence; D008137:Longitudinal Studies; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009784:Occupational Diseases / Q000139:chemically induced* / Q000453:epidemiology*; D011126:Polypropylenes / Q000009:adverse effects*; D012307:Risk Factors
D011126:Polypropylenes