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Abstract

Epidemiologic evidence on the relationship between mineral oil exposure and cancer is reviewed. The review is restricted to occupations involving substantial dermal and inhalational exposure and for which an epidemiologic literature exists: metal machining, print press operating, and cotton and jute spinning. Mineral oils are complex mixtures of aliphatic hydrocarbons, naphthenics, and aromatics, the relative distribution of which depends on the source of the oil and the method of refinement. End-use products contain a variety of additives, and contamination by other agents generally occurs during use. Suspect agents include polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAH) (particularly benz[a]pyrene), nitrosamines, chlorinated paraffins, long-chain aliphatics, sulfur, N-phenyl-2-naphthylamine, and formaldehyde. The heterogeneity of this exposure makes epidemiologic study difficult and meta-analysis inappropriate. Nonetheless, several associations emerge from the literature with varying degrees of support. There is clear evidence that early formulations of mineral oils used in cotton and jute spinning and in metal machining were carcinogenic to the skin. Associations of mineral oil exposure with laryngeal and rectal cancer have received some support in the literature, particularly with respect to straight oils. Evidence is suggestive that grinding operations (which can entail either mineral oil-based or ethanolamine-based fluids) are associated with excess risk of cancer of the esophagus, stomach, and pancreas. A number of bladder cancer case-control studies have noted an association with work as a machinist. There is limited evidence of an association with cancer of the colon, prostate, and sinonasal region. Several studies of printers have yielded positive findings for lung cancer, whereas studies in metal machinists have been generally negative. The PAH and nitrosamine content of current formulations is lower than in the past and the implications of these changes in composition to the carcinogenicity of the formulations are not yet known.

Cancer Morbidity of Foundry Workers in Korea

“…Some previous studies (6, 8, 9, 11) showed elevation of stomach cancer in foundry workers. The known occupational risk factors of stomach cancer include asbestos, metalworking fluids and other oil mist (2, 26). Among some foundry work, workers in the fettling shop are exposed to these kinds of hazards besides silica and heavy metals.…”

Colorectal cancer mortality and industrial pollution in Spain

“…In addition, many of the pollutants released by industries are carcinogens, and some of these have been associated with tumours of the digestive system [11]. Occupations too have been described as being specifically associated with tumours of the colon and rectum incidence [12].…”

Occupational Carcinogenesis☆

“…The evidence for an increased risk of lung cancer in workers exposed to mineral oils varies with studies of metalworkers generally showing negative results, and studies of workers in the printing industry showing increases (Tolbert, 1997). A combined estimate of RR from seven studies reviewed by Tolbert (1997) gave an RR of 1.6 (95% CI 1.3, 1.9; Rushton et al, 2008).…”

“…Several bladder cancer case-control studies have found an association with work as a machinist, with studies of workers using metalworking fluids and mineral oils offering strong evidence for an association with bladder cancer (Calvert et al, 1998;Tolbert, 1997). An overall RR for bladder cancer from exposure to mineral oils across the case-control and population-based studies from Tolbert's review is 1.39 (95% CI 1.20, 1.61; Rushton et al, 2008).…”