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Occupational and environmental causes of bronchogenic carcinoma
B M Haus1, H Razavi, W G Kuschner
1Stanford University School of Medicine, Veterans Affairs Palo Alto Health Care System, Division of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, Stanford University School of Medicine, Palo Alto, California, USA.
Current Opinion in Pulmonary Medicine
|July 27, 2001
Summary
Occupational and environmental carcinogens cause a significant portion of lung cancer cases. Identifying these exposures is crucial for public health, clinical diagnosis, and worker compensation claims.
Area of Science:
- Environmental Health
- Occupational Medicine
- Pulmonology
Background:
- Occupational and environmental carcinogens contribute to a notable percentage of bronchogenic carcinoma cases.
- Characterizing these carcinogens and defining disease risks are vital for public health initiatives aimed at lung cancer prevention.
- Distinguishing occupational lung cancer is important for clinical management and potential worker compensation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the role of occupational and environmental carcinogens in lung cancer.
- To highlight the importance of identifying and characterizing these agents for public health and clinical practice.
- To discuss the challenges in establishing causal links and safe exposure levels.
Main Methods:
- Review of epidemiologic investigations identifying excess lung cancer in exposed populations.
- Inclusion of experimental animal and ex vivo human research supporting carcinogenicity.
- Synthesis of information from scientific and regulatory agencies.
Main Results:
- Key carcinogens identified include asbestos, radon daughters, diesel exhaust, and metals.
- Epidemiologic studies confirm increased lung cancer risk in exposed groups.
- Research supports causal relationships between specific exposures and carcinogenesis.
Conclusions:
- A small fraction of industrial chemicals have been fully assessed for carcinogenic potential.
- Clinical and research challenges persist in proving occupational causation and setting safe exposure thresholds.
- Information on pulmonary occupational and environmental health is available from key agencies like OSHA, NIOSH, IARC, ALA, and EPA.
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