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A multicentre mortality study of workers exposed to ethylene oxide
N Kiesselbach1, K Ulm, H J Lange
1Arztliche Abteilung, Bayer AG, Leverkusen, FRG.
British Journal of Industrial Medicine
|March 1, 1990
Summary
This study investigated ethylene oxide exposure and cancer mortality in German chemical plant workers. No significant increase in overall cancer deaths was found, though some specific cancer types showed non-significant increases.
Area of Science:
- Occupational Health
- Epidemiology
- Toxicology
Background:
- Ethylene oxide (EtO) is a widely used industrial chemical with known carcinogenic potential.
- Assessing long-term cancer risk in occupationally exposed populations is crucial for public health.
Purpose of the Study:
- To examine the association between occupational exposure to ethylene oxide and cancer mortality.
- To evaluate cancer risks in a cohort of male chemical plant workers in Germany.
Main Methods:
- A multicentre cohort study of 2658 male workers exposed to ethylene oxide for at least one year between 1928 and 1981.
- Standardized mortality ratios (SMRs) were calculated and compared with national and local rates.
- An internal control group was used for comparison within one plant.
Main Results:
- Overall standardized mortality ratio for all causes was 0.87 and for all malignancies was 0.97 compared to national rates.
- Two deaths from leukemia were observed (SMR = 0.85), and elevated but non-significant SMRs were noted for esophageal and stomach cancer.
- The exposed group showed higher, though not statistically significant, total mortality and cancer mortality compared to the internal control group.
Conclusions:
- The study did not find a statistically significant association between ethylene oxide exposure and increased overall cancer mortality.
- Further investigation may be warranted for specific cancer types and exposure levels.
- A healthy worker effect was observed in both exposed and control groups.