Cancer Incidence and Mortality among Petroleum Industry Workers and Residents Living in Oil Producing Communities: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

Abstract

Petroleum extraction and refining are major sources of various occupational exposures and of air pollution and may therefore contribute to the global cancer burden. This systematic review and meta-analysis is aimed at evaluating the cancer risk in petroleum-exposed workers and in residents living near petroleum facilities. Relevant studies were identified and retrieved through PubMed and Web of Science databases. Summary effect size (ES) and 95% confidence intervals (CI) were analysed using random effect models, and heterogeneity across studies was assessed (I2). Overall, petroleum industry work was associated with an increased risk of mesothelioma (ES = 2.09, CI: 1.58–2.76), skin melanoma (ES = 1.34, CI: 1.06–1.70 multiple myeloma (ES =1.81, CI: 1.28–2.55), and cancers of the prostate (ES = 1.13, Cl: 1.05–1.22) and urinary bladder (ES = 1.25, CI: 1.09–1.43) and a decreased risk of cancers of the esophagus, stomach, colon, rectum, and pancreas. Offshore petroleum work was associated with an increased risk of lung cancer (ES = 1.20; 95% CI: 1.03–1.39) and leukemia (ES = 1.47; 95% CI: 1.12–1.92) in stratified analysis. Residential proximity to petroleum facilities was associated with childhood leukemia (ES = 1.90, CI: 1.34–2.70). Very few studies examined specific exposures among petroleum industry workers or residents living in oil producing communities. The present review warrants further studies on specific exposure levels and pathways among petroleum-exposed workers and residents living near petroleum facilities.

Occupational Exposure and Multiple Myeloma Risk: An Updated Review of Meta-Analyses

“…From the remaining 28 articles, four were pooled analyses, six were systematic reviews or reviews, one was a retrospective national cohort study, and one evaluated the association between MM incidences and residential exposure to the petrochemical industry. Overall, 11 meta-analyses [ 16 , 17 , 18 , 19 , 20 , 21 , 22 , 23 , 24 , 25 , 26 ] providing results from 165 primary studies of potential occupational risk factors were ultimately eligible for this review, since five [ 27 , 28 , 29 , 30 , 31 ] have been updated by more recent meta-epidemiological studies. Characteristics of the included studies are presented in Table 1 .…”

“…The updated meta-analysis by Vlaanderen J. et al [ 22 ], synthesizing 26 cohort studies, revealed a slight, nonsignificant elevation of the overall meta-RR for those who experience occupational benzene exposure (meta-RR: 1.12; 95% CI: 0.98–1.27). Recently, Onyije F. M. et al [ 23 ], in a meta-analysis consisting of 11 cohort studies and one case–control study, demonstrated consistent positive findings regarding petroleum industry work and incidence of MM (estimated risk of 1.80; 95% CI: 1.28–2.55), yet failed to support significant correlation between petroleum exposure and risk of mortality from MM (estimated risk of 1.04; 95% CI: 0.89–1.21).…”

“…The first meta-analysis, which included only case–control studies [ 21 ], failed to detect any significant correlation between occupational benzene and petroleum exposure with MM, but suggested a significant positive association with engine exhaust exposure. Similarly, a recent meta-analysis comprising one case–control and 11 cohort studies [ 23 ] noted increased risk for MM among petroleum industry workers.…”

“…Herein, we provided an overview and appraisal of the occupational epidemiology of MM, presenting data from published meta-epidemiological studies. Since publication of the previous systematic review of meta-analyses by Sergentanis T. N. et al [ 14 ], four new meta-analyses of occupational exposures and MM were considered in our updated review [ 18 , 19 , 23 , 26 ]; nonsignificant associations between glyphosate [ 18 ], PAHs [ 26 ], and petroleum [ 23 ] exposure and MM risk have been reported, whereas, consistent with previous findings [ 29 ], firefighting correlated with increased risk of death from MM [ 19 ]. Overall, the results from the included meta-epidemiological studies [ 16 , 17 , 18 , 19 , 20 , 21 , 22 , 23 , 24 , 25 , 26 ] in this updated review confirm the statistically significant risk for MM among firefighters, hairdressers, and employees exposed to engine exhaust, highlighting the multifactorial traits of the disease.…”

“…Additionally, no supportive evidence for increased MM risk following occupational exposure to TCE [ 23 ] and PAHs [ 25 ] could be identified, while meta-analytical results yielded positive associations of methylene chloride exposure and MM [ 25 ].…”