Nasal cancer in the textile and clothing industries

A case-control study of 160 patients with cancers of the nasal cavity and paranasal sinuses and 290 controls showed an excess risk associated with employment in the textile or clothing industries, with the increase (relative risk [RR] = 2.1) found only among female workers. There was, however, no increasing trend in risk with years of employment or duration since first exposure. Both male and female workers were at an increased risk of adenocarcinoma (RR = 2.5), with further enhancement of risks for those experiencing dusty work conditions. Although aetiological inferences cannot be drawn from this study, the finding of raised risk supports some previous observations and the need for further investigation of the cancer experienced by textile and clothing workers.