Renal cell cancer among architects and allied professionals in Sweden

The Swedish Cancer-Environment Registry was used to evaluate a recent report of a large excess risk of renal cell cancer among architects in Los Angeles. We identified 131 renal cell cancers among male Swedish architects and allied professionals during a 19-year follow-up period (1961-1979). Compared with the Swedish population, there was no significant excess of renal cell cancer among architects and allied professionals (standardized incidence ratio (SIR) = 1.15; 131 cases). Although it was not possible to estimate the risk for architects alone, the SIR was only 1.06 (16 cases) in a subset of professionals employed in architectural and engineering firms. However, a significant increase in risk (SIR = 1.38) was observed in a related group of workers employed as engineers and construction supervisors in the home construction industry.