Brain cancer in petrochemical workers: a case series report

Journal Article · Tue Jan 01 04:00:00 EST 1980 · Am. J. Ind. Med.; (United States)

DOI:https://doi.org/10.1002/ajim.4700010113· OSTI ID:6781956

Alexander, V; Leffingwell, S S; Lloyd, J W; Waxweiler, R J; Miller, R L

Eighteen primary brain cancer deaths among male workers at one Texas petrochemical plant from 1965-1980 are reported. Federal officials from OSHA and NIOSH are performing with company cooperation an historical prospective cohort mortality study, a case-control study, and neuropathological case confirmation. Average age at death was 53 (range 30-66). Median employment was 21 years and median latency was 24 years. 15/18 tumors were glioblastoma multiforme, an unusual histologic distribution. A preliminary estimate reveals a plant-wide excess brain cancer risk twice expected among 6,800 white males at the plant since 1941. Brain cancer mortality rates in surrounding counties are in the median range for US counties from 1950-1969. Ten recognized or suspected carcinogens are present in quantities greater than 10(6) lbs/yr. To date no common chemical exposures or work assignments have been identified among the cases. Data on 26 experimental brain carcinogens and relevant epidemiological studies are provided.

• Research Organization: Occupational Safety and Health Administration, Washington, DC
• OSTI ID: 6781956
• Journal Information: Am. J. Ind. Med.; (United States), Journal Name: Am. J. Ind. Med.; (United States) Vol. 1:1; ISSN AJIMD
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

02 PETROLEUM
020600 -- Petroleum-- Health & Safety
560306* -- Chemicals Metabolism & Toxicology-- Man-- (-1987)
63 RADIATION, THERMAL, AND OTHER ENVIRON. POLLUTANT EFFECTS ON LIVING ORGS. AND BIOL. MAT.
BIOLOGICAL EFFECTS
BODY
BRAIN
CARCINOGENS
CENTRAL NERVOUS SYSTEM
CHEMICAL PLANTS
DISEASES
EPIDEMIOLOGY
HAZARDS
HEALTH HAZARDS
INDUSTRIAL PLANTS
LATENCY PERIOD
MORTALITY
NEOPLASMS
NERVOUS SYSTEM
OCCUPATIONAL SAFETY
ORGANS
PATHOLOGY
PERSONNEL
PETROCHEMICAL PLANTS
SAFETY
SENSITIVITY