Risks of brain tumors in rubber workers: a metaanalysis.
OBJECTIVE
To better understand whether rubber industry workers suffer increased risks of brain tumor, a concern that has persisted for over 40 years despite numerous well-conducted studies.


METHODS
We performed a formal metaanalysis of brain tumor risk estimates reported in cohort studies of rubber and tire workers. Twenty unique cohorts were identified who met a priori inclusion criteria. Metaanalysis was performed using the general variance-based method; the variance of risk estimates was calculated for each study using a chi-squared method. Homogeneity was tested by means of the Q statistic.


RESULTS
The metaanalysis determined an overall relative risk of 0.90 (95% CI = 0.79-1.02).


CONCLUSIONS
The analytical results are consistent with a conclusion that risks of brain tumor are not increased as a result of occupational exposures in the rubber and tire industry.
Borak
Jonathan
J
Departments of Medicine and Epidemiology & Public Health, Yale School of Medicine, 234 Church Street, New Haven, CT 06510, USA. jborak@att.net
Slade
Martin D
MD
Russi
Mark
M
D001932:Brain Neoplasms / Q000453:epidemiology* / Q000209:etiology*; D015331:Cohort Studies; D006801:Humans; D007221:Industry; D018986:Motor Vehicles; D016273:Occupational Exposure; D012408:Rubber
D012408:Rubber