Dose response relationship between occupational PAH exposure and lung cancer--an overview

Epidemiologic cohort and case-referent studies have shown an increased risk of lung cancer among various PAH-exposed occupations, such as coke, coal gas and aluminium production workers, road pavers, roofers and chimney sweeps. In different cohort studies, a positive dose response relationship between PAH exposure time and lung cancer have been described. On some workers, a relationship was found between coal for pitch volatiles (CTPV) and the risk of lung cancer. A doubling dose for lung cancer of > 20 [(mg CTPV/m3) years] or > 100 [micrograms BaP/m3) years] has been found among coke and aluminium production workers. Acknowledgement of lung cancer as an occupational disease is proposed after a cumulative dose of > 20 [(mg CTPV/m3) years] or > 100 [micrograms BaP/m3) years].