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Mortality patterns among employees exposed to acrylonitrile.
J J Collins1, L C Page, J C Caporossi
1Ford Motor Company, Dearborn, MI.
Journal of Occupational Medicine. : Official Publication of the Industrial Medical Association
|April 1, 1989
Summary
This study found no increased mortality risk in men exposed to acrylonitrile, a chemical used in plastics and synthetic fibers. Respiratory cancer rates were similar to unexposed individuals, suggesting acrylonitrile is not a human carcinogen.
Area of Science:
- Occupational Health
- Toxicology
- Epidemiology
Background:
- Acrylonitrile is a synthetic chemical used in the production of plastics and synthetic fibers.
- Concerns exist regarding the potential carcinogenicity of acrylonitrile in occupational settings.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the long-term mortality risks associated with occupational exposure to acrylonitrile.
- To determine if acrylonitrile exposure is linked to an increased risk of respiratory cancer.
Main Methods:
- A cohort study observed 2671 men from 1951 to 1983.
- Mortality data was analyzed, with 1774 men having documented exposure to acrylonitrile.
- Exposure duration and levels were assessed in relation to cause-specific mortality, particularly respiratory cancer.
Main Results:
- No statistically significant excess in all-cause or cause-specific mortality was observed among exposed individuals.
- Analysis of exposure duration to acrylonitrile showed no trend with respiratory cancer mortality.
- Men with high acrylonitrile exposure had respiratory cancer rates comparable to unexposed workers and the general US male population.
Conclusions:
- The study findings do not support the hypothesis that acrylonitrile is a human carcinogen.
- Occupational exposure to acrylonitrile at the levels studied does not appear to increase overall mortality or respiratory cancer risk.