Evaluation of the cancerogenic risk in oil tankers during refitting

Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAH) concentrations were measured in particles collected in oil tankers during refitting operations in which oxyacetylene flames were used. High levels of benzopyrene (8.3 +/- 7.2 mg/1000 m3) and nitrogen oxides (from 2 to 20 ppm) were detected. The fraction of collected smoke, soluble in cycloesane, was injected into the peritoneum of Balb/C mice. The frequency of sister chromatid exchange (SCE) induced in bone marrow cells was evaluated. A significant and dose-related increase of SCE was seen, which was comparable to that induced by pure PAH. Based on these results, the presence of other mutagenic substances in addition to benzopyrene was suspected. Chemical and biochemical results confirmed epidemiological evidence of an increased risk of lung and bladder cancer in workers operating inside oil tankers. The authors propose the use of this coordinated approach for an effective primary cancer prevention program in the work place.