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Rubber work and cancer--past, present and perspectives
Scandinavian Journal of Work, Environment & Health
|January 1, 1983
Summary
Early rubber industry health studies lacked data, leading to issues like bladder cancer. Advances in epidemiology and industrial hygiene have since improved understanding of chemical exposures and their health effects.
Area of Science:
- Occupational Health
- Industrial Hygiene
- Epidemiology
Background:
- Historical studies of rubber industry health were limited by data gaps in epidemiology, industrial hygiene, and toxicology.
- These limitations were evident in the 1949 discovery of bladder cancer cases within the industry.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review historical challenges in rubber industry health research.
- To summarize current epidemiologic findings related to rubber industry exposures.
- To assess potential risks from polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons and nitrosamines.
Main Methods:
- Review of historical occupational health data.
- Synthesis of epidemiologic studies on rubber industry workers.
- Analysis of chemical exposures, including beta-naphthylamine, polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons, and nitrosamines.
Main Results:
- Significant progress has been made in epidemiologic study detail and factory atmosphere monitoring.
- Understanding of how rubber chemicals impact the human body has improved substantially.
- Beta-naphthylamine exposure has been identified as a historical concern for bladder cancer.
Conclusions:
- Improved epidemiologic methods and industrial hygiene practices have enhanced worker safety.
- Ongoing research is necessary to fully understand and mitigate risks from specific chemical exposures like polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons and nitrosamines.