Colorectal polyp incidence among polypropylene manufacturing workers.
To follow up earlier findings of increased colorectal cancer and polyp risk among a group of Texas polypropylene manufacturing workers, a second company-sponsored colorectal cancer screening program was conducted. Ninety-four (64%) of the 147 male workers negative for polyps in the first screening were rescreened. Age- and examiner-adjusted incidence rate ratios (IRRs) were modestly elevated for polypropylene manufacturing workers compared with patients screened at the same clinic for total (IRR = 1.31; 90% confidence interval [CI] = 0.84 to 2.03) and adenomatous (IRR = 1.80; 90% CI = 0.68 to 4.78) polyps. However, risk of adenomas among the highest exposed group (early term process/mechanical workers: IRR = 1.77; 90% CI = 0.51 to 6.18) was similar to risk in the least-exposed group (engineer/chemist/administrative workers: IRR = 2.02; 90% CI = 0.56 to 7.31). The modest, nonsignificant excesses and the similarity in risk across job categories does not suggest an occupationally related risk, although small numbers and potential biases preclude making definitive conclusions.
Lewis
R J
RJ
Exxon Biomedical Sciences, Inc, East Millstone, NJ 08875-2350.
Lerman
S E
SE
Schnatter
A R
AR
Hughes
J I
JI
Vernon
S W
SW
D000230:Adenocarcinoma / Q000139:chemically induced / Q000453:epidemiology; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D003111:Colonic Polyps / Q000139:chemically induced* / Q000453:epidemiology; D015179:Colorectal Neoplasms / Q000139:chemically induced / Q000453:epidemiology; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D015994:Incidence; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D016273:Occupational Exposure / Q000009:adverse effects*; D011126:Polypropylenes / Q000009:adverse effects*; D012307:Risk Factors; D012812:Sigmoidoscopy; D013781:Texas / Q000453:epidemiology
D011126:Polypropylenes