Trichloroethylene and cancer: epidemiologic evidence.

Abstract

Trichloroethylene is an organic chemical that has been used in dry cleaning, for metal degreasing, and as a solvent for oils and resins. It has been shown to cause liver and kidney cancer in experimental animals. This article reviews over 80 published papers and letters on the cancer epidemiology of people exposed to trichloroethylene. Evidence of excess cancer incidence among occupational cohorts with the most rigorous exposure assessment is found for kidney cancer (relative risk lRR] = 1.7, 95% confidence interval [Cl] 1.1-2.7), liver cancer (RR = 1.9, 95% Cl 1.0-3.4), and non-Hodgkin's lymphoma (RR = 1.5, 95% Cl 0.9-2.3) as well as for cervical cancer, Hodgkin's disease, and multiple myeloma. However, since few studies isolate trichloroethylene exposure, results are likely confounded by exposure to other solvents and other risk factors. Although we believe that solvent exposure causes cancer in humans and that trichloroethylene likely is one of the active agents, we recommend further study to better specify the specific agents that confer this risk and to estimate the magnitude of that risk.

Male bladder cancer risk and occupational exposure according to a job-exposure matrix—a case-control study in British Columbia, Canada

“…Past case-control and cohort studies have suggested an association with exposure to solvents and paints (5,(41)(42)(43). A recent study in the Netherlands found a nonsignificant excess for those exposed to paint components (33).…”

Metabolism and Tissue Distribution of Orally Administered Trichloroethylene in Male and Female Rats: Identification of Glutathione- and Cytochrome P-450-Derived Metabolites in Liver, Kidney, Blood, and Urine

“…For example, liver and lungs are primary target organs in male mice whereas kidneys are primary target organs in male rats. Potential target organs in humans include kidneys, liver, cervix, and hematopoietic cells (i.e., non-Hodgkin's lymphoma) (Wartenberg et al, 2000).…”

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

“…A moderately increased risk has been observed in several mortality and incidence studies among workers exposed to trichloroethylene, but inconsistencies in findings across the study populations and some methodological limitations complicate the interpretation of the findings. [2][3][4][5][6] Excesses of liver cancer have also been reported among workers potentially exposed to tetrachloroethylene, [7][8][9] but in general, the epidemiologic literature on this association is not consistent. [10][11][12][13][14] Carbon tetrachloride, chloroform and 1,2-dichloroethane have been classified as possibly carcinogenic to humans by the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC), and liver tumors have been detected in some animal experiments.…”