title: [Possible etiologic role of occupational exposure to arsenic anhydride in a case of bladder carcinoma].
abstract: It has long been known that occupational or environmental exposure to arsenic (As) may cause skin and lung cancer. Moreover, several epidemiological studies on populations exposed to inorganic As by ingestion indicate an increased risk for cancer at other sites and, particularly, for bladder cancer. We describe the case of a petrol chemical worker, who died of metastasized bladder cancer at the age of 52, after being employed for over 30 years in a hydrogen production unit. Analysis of the technological cycle and biological monitoring data revealed an excessive, prolonged exposure to arsenic trioxide (As2O3) vapours and fumes; a solution of this compound was utilized to absorb the CO2 produced by oxidation of the synthesis gas. Careful anamnesis indicated a prolonged contact between the carcinogen and the bladder mucosa, due to the presence of severe urethral stenosis with chronic urinary obstruction. It also appears likely that synergism between As exposure and smoking (5-10 cigarettes per day until 46 years) occurred. This case suggests the opportunity to extend to the occupational setting future epidemiological research on the relationship between inorganic As exposure and bladder cancer.
authors.affiliation: Istituto di Medicina del Lavoro e Preventiva G. Fradà, Università di Palermo.
authors.forename: G
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: La Paglia
authors.forename: S M
authors.initials: SM
authors.lastname: Candura
authors.forename: G
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Maira
authors.forename: G
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Cortese
authors.forename: M
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Tagliani
mesh_terms: D000077237:Arsenic Trioxide; D001152:Arsenicals / Q000009:adverse effects* / Q000652:urine; D015415:Biomarkers / Q000652:urine; D002277:Carcinoma / Q000139:chemically induced* / Q000652:urine; D017809:Fatal Outcome; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D016273:Occupational Exposure / Q000009:adverse effects*; D010087:Oxides / Q000009:adverse effects* / Q000652:urine; D012907:Smoking / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000652:urine; D001749:Urinary Bladder Neoplasms / Q000139:chemically induced* / Q000473:pathology / Q000652:urine
chemical_list: D001152:Arsenicals; D015415:Biomarkers; D010087:Oxides; D000077237:Arsenic Trioxide