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Malignant pleural mesothelioma in bakers and pastry cooks
V Ascoli1, R Calisti, C Carnovale-Scalzo
1Department of Experimental Medicine and Pathology, La Sapienza University, Viale Regina Elena 324, 00161-Rome, Italy. valeria.ascoli@uniroma1.it
Background:
The occurrence of malignant pleural mesothelioma (MPM) among bakers and pastry cooks has never been documented.
Case Reports:
We detected eight cases of MPM in bakers, pastry cooks, and biscuit cooks engaged in making, baking/cooking, and selling pastry/bread in two hospital-based series (Rome and Orbassano/Turin, Italy; period 1990-1997; 222 cases). Field-investigations revealed asbestos-containing material (ACM) in ovens for baking bread, that were manufactured prior to the 1980s.
Conclusions:
It is suggested that there is a possible new association of the risk of having worked as a baker or pastry cook and MPM. Presumptive source of exposure to asbestos was the use of asbestos-insulated ovens.
Insights
Malignant pleural mesothelioma (MPM) has been documented in bakers and pastry cooks for the first time. Asbestos-insulated ovens used before the 1980s are the likely source of exposure.
Area of Science:
- Occupational Health
- Environmental Medicine
- Oncology
Background:
- Malignant pleural mesothelioma (MPM) is a rare cancer, primarily linked to asbestos exposure.
- Previous studies have not documented MPM cases in the baking industry.
Observation:
- Eight cases of MPM were identified in bakers, pastry cooks, and biscuit makers.
- These individuals worked in the production and sale of bread and pastry products.
- Asbestos-containing materials were found in pre-1980s bread-baking ovens.
Findings:
- A potential association between working as a baker/pastry cook and MPM risk is suggested.
- The use of asbestos-insulated ovens is identified as a presumptive source of asbestos exposure.
Implications:
- This study highlights a previously unrecognized occupational risk for MPM.
- It underscores the importance of identifying and mitigating asbestos exposure in historical workplace settings.
- Further research into asbestos exposure in the food preparation industry is warranted.