Occupational risks for the development of brain tumors

Occupationally related risk factors were assessed in a population-based, case-control study of 139 patients with primary brain tumors (BT), carried out in central Israel between 1987-1991. For each case, two control groups were matched by age (+/-5 years), sex, and ethnic origin. The interview schedule included questions about lifelong occupational history before diagnosis. Odds ratios (OR) for BT, according to industrial categories, showed a significantly increased risk among blue-collar workers, especially among those employed in the textile industry, and among drivers and motor vehicle operators. When histologic tumor types were assessed separately, a significantly increased risk for malignant BT was found among drivers and motor vehicle operator occupations, while for meningiomas, an increased risk was found among weavers and tailors. Our results may provide clues for etiology and prevention measures.