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Occupational cancer in Germany
1GSF-Forschungszentrum für Umwelt und Gesundheit, Institut für Epidemiologie, Neuherberg, Oberschleissheim. brueske.hohlfeld@gsf.de
Environmental Health Perspectives
|June 3, 1999
Summary
Occupational cancer cases in Germany rose post-WWII, with asbestos and ionizing radiation as primary causes. Asbestos remains a significant risk factor, particularly for lung cancer and mesothelioma, with incidence still rising.
Area of Science:
- Occupational Health
- Epidemiology
- Cancer Research
Background:
- The incidence of occupational cancer in Germany has shown a steady increase since World War II.
- In 1994, a record high of approximately 1,600 occupational cancer cases were compensated.
Purpose of the Study:
- To analyze the trends and primary causes of occupational cancer in Germany.
- To identify the most significant risk factors contributing to occupational cancer incidence.
Main Methods:
- Analysis of compensated occupational cancer cases in Germany.
- Categorization of cancer types and their etiological agents, including asbestos and ionizing radiation.
Main Results:
- Lung cancer constituted over half of the compensated cases, primarily linked to asbestos (545 cases) and ionizing radiation (306 cases).
- Asbestos was also responsible for 495 cases of mesothelioma affecting the pleura and peritoneum.
- Asbestos was identified as the leading risk factor, causing over 1000 deaths annually.
Conclusions:
- While lung cancers linked to past uranium mining and ionizing radiation exposure may be declining, asbestos-related cancers, including lung cancer and mesothelioma, are still on the rise in Germany.
- Asbestos poses a continuing and significant threat for occupational cancer, with peak incidence yet to be reached.