Occupational risk factors for brain cancer in Canada.
OBJECTIVE
We sought to examine the impact of occupational exposure on brain cancer risk.


METHODS
Mailed questionnaires were used to collect information on lifetime employment history, occupational exposure to 18 chemicals, and other risk factors for 1009 incident cases of brain cancer and 5039 control subjects in Canada in 1994 to 1997.


RESULTS
People exposed to asphalt and welding had respective odds ratio (and 95% confidence interval) of 1.29 (1.02-1.62) and 1.26 (0.98-1.45). An increased risk of brain cancer might be associated with exposure to asbestos, benzene, mineral or lubricating oil, isopropyl oil, and wood dust and with following occupations: teaching; protective service; metal processing and related jobs, and metal shaping and forming; knitting in textile processing; construction trades; and transport equipment operating.


CONCLUSIONS
Our study suggests a possible role for occupational exposure in the etiology of brain cancer.
Pan
Sai Yi
SY
Surveillance and Risk Assessment Division, Centre for Chronic Disease Prevention and Control, Public Health Agency of Canada, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada.
Ugnat
Anne-Marie
AM
Mao
Yang
Y
D001932:Brain Neoplasms / Q000209:etiology*; D002170:Canada / Q000453:epidemiology; D016022:Case-Control Studies; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D016273:Occupational Exposure / Q000009:adverse effects*; D009790:Occupations; D012307:Risk Factors; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires