Cancer in the Norwegian printing industry

Abstract

Objectives The aim of this study was to investigate cancer risk among Norwegian workers in the printing industry, particularly lung and bladder cancer.Methods Cancer incidence was investigated from 1953 through 1998 in a cohort of 10 549 male members of a trade union in the printing industry in Oslo and nearby areas. Rates from the region, were used to calculate standardized incidence ratios (SIR) separately for the skilled and unskilled workers. Smoking data from a sample of the cohort were utilized for evaluating the risk estimates of smoking-related cancers. Specific exposure data were not available.Results Among the skilled workers, significantly elevated risks of cancer of the urinary bladder [standardized incidence ratio (SIR) 1.47, 95% confidence interval (95% CI) 1.19-1.79], liver (SIR 1.92, 95% CI 1.15-2.99), pancreas (SIR 1.46, 95% CI 1.07-1.94) and colon (SIR 1.27, 95% CI 1.05-1.55) were observed, whereas an increased risk of lung cancer in this group was confined to those born before 1910. Among the unskilled workers, there were significantly increased risks of cancer of the mouth, esophagus, stomach, larynx, lung, and all sites. ConclusionsThe study showed that workers in the printing industry were at increased risk of several types of cancer. In particular the increased risk of bladder cancer among the skilled workers is suggestive of an occupational cause. However, no specific agent could be identified as an occupational carcinogen. The results did not support the hypothesis of a generally increased risk of lung cancer. The risk pattern for unskilled workers may reflect confounding by nonoccupational factors.

Re-Emphasizing the Roles of General Medical and Dental Practitioners Regarding Oral Cancer Eradication in Nigeria

“…Occupational Hazards: Occupational exposure to solvents like pesticides and other chemicals, engine exhausts, textile and leather dusts, etc. may increase the risk of oral cancers [48][49][50][51][52]. This claim is however conflicting; while some studies reported a link between oral cancer and various occupational exposures, some researchers had denied a relationship between them [48][49][50][51][52].…”

Risk of liver cancer and exposure to organic solvents and gasoline vapors among Finnish workers

“…Similar results have been obtained in some previous studies among painters 6,[36][37][38] and printers. [19][20][21]39,40 The IARC has classified occupational exposure as a painter as carcinogenic to humans, and occupational exposures in printing processes as possibly carcinogenic to humans, mainly based on findings of increased risk lung and bladder cancer. 41,42 The available evidence was, however, not specific enough to identify particular agents that cause cancer.…”

“…17,18 Some studies on cancer incidence or mortality in occupations, which usually involve exposure to solvents, have shown increased risks of liver cancer. 6,[19][20][21] In Europe and the United States, liver cancer has attracted major interest because of the rising incidence of hepatocellular carcinoma, the main type of liver cancer, and suggestions that its incidence will increase within 2 decades. 22 In Finland, the incidence of primary liver cancer is low, but has been increasing over recent decades.…”

Cancer of the mouth and pharynx, occupation and exposure to chemical agents in Finland [in 1971–95]

“…Results on whether occupational exposures could cause cancer of the mouth and pharynx are conflicting. Some studies have reported excess risks of cancers of the tongue, oral cavity and pharynx for electrical workers, waiters, cooks, butchers, printers, artists, pulp industry or wood workers, tailors and sewers, beverage manufacturers, packers, loaders, dockers and warehouse workers, seamen, plumbers and pipe fitters, journalists, motor vehicle drivers, dentists, hairdressers, shoemakers, launderers and drycleaners, bricklayers, painters and wall paper hangers, building hands, lawyers, PR officers and sales professionals 1–9…”