Leukaemia - 111 entries found

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1993

CIS 94-2084 Matanoski G.M., Elliott E.A., Breysse P.N., Lynberg M.C.
Leukemia in telephone linemen
This case-control study examines potential associations between telephone linework and the occurrence of leukaemia with the exception of chronic lymphocytic leukaemia. Workers with lifetime exposure scores to extremely low frequency non-ionizing radiation above the median for the population show an excess of leukaemia 2.5 times higher than workers below the median (95% confidence interval (CI) 0.7-8.6). Those individuals with a long duration of employment in jobs with intermittent peak exposures may be at a higher risk of leukaemia than those with a constant exposure level. Analyses that allow for a latent period suggest that the risk is associated with exposures that occurred 10 or more years before death. Workers with peak exposure scores to extremely low frequency non-ionizing radiation above the median have odds ratios of 2.4 (95% CI 0.7-9.0) and 6.6 (95% CI 0.7-58) for latent periods of 10 and 15 years, respectively. The data suggest an increasing risk with increasing exposure (p for trend = 0.05) when cumulated scores are based on peak exposure scores. The numbers in this study are small and the differences observed may be due to chance.
American Journal of Epidemiology, 15 Mar. 1993, Vol.137, No.6, p.609-619. 13 ref.

CIS 94-555 Kishi R., Katakura Y., Yuasa J., Miyake H.
Association of parents' occupational exposure with cancer in children. A case-control study of acute lymphoblastic leukaemia
Shōni akusei shuyō to ryōshin no jūji suru sangyō oyobi shokugyō no kanren. Kyūsei rinpagakyūsei hakketsubyō no shōrei taishō kenkyū [in Japanese]
Cases of acute lymphoblastic leukaemia in children less than 15 years of age identified between 1980 and 1990 in four hospitals in northern Japan (147 cases) were matched by age and sex with other hospital patients and by place of residence and sex with children in the general population. Data on occupation and exposure to various agents were obtained from mothers by interview and from fathers by mail questionnaire. More fathers of the cases were engaged in agriculture, medicine or science than were fathers of controls; more mothers were engaged in agriculture. In comparison with hospital controls, paternal preconceptual exposure to chemicals and prenatal exposure to pesticides and maternal prenatal exposure to benzine and spray pesticides were important risk factors. In comparison with population controls, maternal prenatal exposure to benzine and exposure to spray paints before the appearance of leukaemia were highly significant risks.
Japanese Journal of Industrial Health - Sangyō-Igaku, Nov. 1993, Vol.35, No.6, p.515-529. 43 ref.

CIS 93-1557 Hunter W.J., Henman B.A., Bartlett D.M., Le Geyt I.P.
Mortality of professional chemists in England and Wales, 1965-1989
Several studies on the mortality of chemists have revealed a lower overall mortality but an excess of deaths from certain diseases, in particular, cancers. This study determined the causes of mortality of 4,012 chemists among 14,884 members of the Royal Society of Chemistry who were followed for a period of 25 years. The results demonstrated consistency with other studies. There was an overall low mortality rate, with fewer deaths than expected from cancers, but an excess mortality from lymphatic and haematopoietic cancers, in particular leukaemias. There was an excess of deaths from certain gastrointestinal cancers. There was reduced mortality from respiratory diseases, including lung cancers, and from cardiovascular disease. New findings reported in this study are increased mortality from cancers of the duodenum and kidney, certain skin cancers, mental disorders, and diseases of the nervous system.
American Journal of Industrial Medicine, Apr. 1993, Vol.23, No.4, p.615-627. 52 ref.

1992

CIS 93-299 Muhm J.M.
Mortality investigation of workers in an electromagnetic pulse test program
A standardised mortality ratio study of 304 male employees of an electromagnetic pulse (EMP) test programme was conducted. Outcomes were ascertained by two methods: the World Health Organization's underlying cause of death algorithm; and the National Center for Health Statistics' algorithm to identify multiple listed causes of death. In the 3,362 person-years of follow-up, there was one underlying cause of death due to leukaemia compared with 0.2 expected (standard mortality ratio [SMR]=437, 95% confidence interval [CI]=11-2433), and two multiple listed causes of death due to leukaemia compared with 0.3 expected (SMR=775, 95% CI=94-2801). Although the study suggested an association between death due to leukaemia and employment in the EMP test programme, firm conclusions could not be drawn because of limitations of the study. The findings warrant further investigation in an independent cohort.
Journal of Occupational Medicine, Mar. 1992, Vol.34, No.3, p.287-292. Illus. 17 ref.

1991

CIS 92-1250 Godon D., Lajoie P., Thouez J.P.
Mortality due to cancers of the brain and lymphatic tissues, and leukemia as a function of agricultural pesticide use in Quebec (1976-1985)
Mortalité par cancers du cerveau, des tissus lymphatiques et la leucémie selon l'utilisation des pesticides, en agriculture, au Québec (1976-1985) [in French]
Relationships between the mortality data for cancers of the brain, the lymphatic tissues and leukaemia, and the spatial distribution of agricultural pesticide use for 34 drainage basins in Quebec, Canada, from 1976-1985 are described. Agreement between the results for mortality data in this exploratory study and the results from another study on cancer incidence data for 1982-1983, supports the hypothesis of a potential relationship between the use of pesticides in agriculture and cancer of the lymphatic tissues.
Canadian Journal of Public Health - Revue canadienne de santé publique, May-June 1991, Vol.82, No.3, p.174-180. Illus. 37 ref.

CIS 92-628 Watson G.M.
Leukaemia and paternal radiation exposure
A recent study inferred that a reputed cluster of cases of leukaemia in children near the UK Sellafield nuclear facility was probably caused by occupational exposure of the father to ionising radiation at the plant. This paper raises the following objections to this hypothesis: the statistical argument ignores the difficulties raised by the temporal clustering of the cases and the apparent limitation to one village; ionising radiation is a general mutagen and there is no evidence of any other genetic effect at Sellafield; children of parents exposed to the Japanese nuclear explosions have shown no genetic effects and no increase in leukaemia or any other cancer.
Medical Journal of Australia, 1 Apr. 1991, Vol.154, No.7, p.483-487. 23 ref.

CIS 92-166 Cowles S.R., Bennett J.M., Ross C.E.
Medical surveillance for leukemia at a petrochemical manufacturing complex: Four-year summary
Four-year results are presented on 2086 participants of a medical surveillance programme of current and retired employees. Annual complete blood cell count testing and intensive follow-up of all out-of-normal range results began on a voluntary basis. The programme to date has not identified any evidence for an unusual distribution of out-of-range complete blood cell count results. Active employees with out-of-range count values had no increase in adverse health outcomes compared with those with in-range values. Retired employees with out-of-range values were more likely to have a serious underlying medical condition, but this appeared to be more a function of age than of occupational exposure. The lack of correlation of out-of-range complete blood cell count results in active employees with serious haematologic disease raises significant questions about the utility of such surveillance for chemically exposed groups when exposure levels are low and well controlled.
Journal of Occupational Medicine, July 1991, Vol.33, No.7, p.808-812. 8 ref.

1990

CIS 92-289 Loomis D.P., Savitz D.A.
Mortality from brain cancer and leukaemia among electrical workers
The relation of brain cancer and mortality from leukaemia to electrical occupations was investigated in a case-control study based on all deaths in 1985 and 1986 in the 16 states in the United States that report occupational data from death certificates to the national vital statistics registry. The case series comprised all 2173 men who died of primary brain cancer and all 3400 who died of leukaemia. The excess of deaths from brain cancer was concentrated among men aged 65 or older, whereas leukaemia was associated with electrical work only among younger decedents and those with acute lymphocytic leukaemia. These results from a large and geographically diverse population corroborate reports of increased mortality from brain cancer among electrical workers, but give only limited support to suggestions of excess deaths from leukaemia.
British Journal of Industrial Medicine, Sep. 1990, Vol.47, No.9, p.633-638. 28 ref.

CIS 91-834 Heyer N., Weiss N.S., Demers P., Rosenstock L.
Cohort mortality study of Seattle fire fighters: 1945-1983
Fire fighters are known to be occupationally exposed to many toxic substances. However, the limited number of previous studies has not demonstrated any consistent excess mortality from diseases of a priori concern, such as lung cancer, non-malignant respiratory disease, and cardiovascular disease. The authors studied 2,289 Seattle fire fighters from 1945 through 1983, and observed 383 deaths. Excess mortality from leukaemia and multiple myeloma was observed among fire fighters with 30 years or more fire combat duty. Lung cancer mortality was elevated among fire fighters 65 years old or older. A trend of increasing risk with increasing exposure (30 years and more) was observed for diseases of the circulatory system. For this cause of death, fire fighters with 30 years or more fire combat duty had a relative risk of 1.84 compared to those with less than 15 years of fire combat duty.
American Journal of Industrial Medicine, 1990, Vol.17, No.4, p.493-504. Illus. Bibl.

CIS 91-546 Deschamps D., Leport M., Laurent A.M., Cordier S., Festy B., Conso F.
Toxicity of ethylene oxide on the lens and on leucocytes: an epidemiological study in hospital sterilisation installations
An epidemiological study was conducted in 55 subjects (mean age: 41) in hospitals to determine the prevalence of lens opacities and cataracts in workers exposed to ethylene oxide in six sterilisation units. The relation between occupational exposure to ethylene oxide and white blood cell concentrations was also investigated. Lens opacities were observed in 19 of the 55 exposed. No link was found between the characteristics of the lens opacities and the characteristics of exposure. For cataracts, their prevalence differed significantly between the exposed (six of 21) and the non-exposed (0 of 16); there was no relation between their existence and overexposures. The risk of lens opacifications by ethylene oxide could also exist during chronic exposure to low concentrations. Linear relations were found between the logarithm of the cumulative exposure index and the logarithms of blood concentrations of polymorphoneutrophils.
British Journal of Industrial Medicine, May 1990, Vol.47, No.5, p.308-313. Illus. 13 ref.

CIS 91-177 Infante P.F., Schwartz E., Cahill R.
Benzene in petrol: a continuing hazard
Letter to the editor, reporting on 3 cases (all black males) of leukaemia among automobile repair workers at a garage in Washington D.C. Investigation showed that the use of petrol (gasoline) as a solvent and the syphoning of petrol by mouth are still common practices in garages, despite the widespread knowledge about the dangers of exposure to benzene and the rigorous guidelines issued by OSHA. It seems that garage workers in the US are not supplied with information (such as material safety data sheets) on the hazards of petrol. There is also evidence that benzene content of petrol is being increased in order to enhance the octane rating.
Lancet, 29 Sep. 1990, Vol.336, No.8718, p.814-815. 10 ref.

1989

CIS 90-563 Swaen G.M.H., Meijers J.M.M.
Risk assessment of leukaemia and occupational exposure to benzene
Experimental toxicological studies have offered clear evidence that benzenene induces haematopoietic neoplasms, and it is generally accepted that exposure to benzenene is a risk factor for leukaemia, in particular for acute non-lymphatic leukaemia. Quantitative aspects of benzene risk assessment are still a matter of controversy, however. In several risk assessments an estimated 50 deaths from leukaemia per 1000 deaths would arise from exposures to benzenene of 10ppm during a working life of 30 years. The assessment presented in this paper leads to lower estimates, which are more in agreement with the weak toxicological data. Furthermore, an approach is presented to incorporate the results of low exposure epidemiological studies into the process of quantitative risk assessment.
British Journal of Industrial Medicine, Dec. 1989, Vol.46, No.12, p.826-830. 37 ref.

CIS 90-123 Paci E., Buiatti E., Seniori Costantini A., Miligi L., Pucci N., Scarpelli A., Petrioli G., Simonato L., Winkelmann R., Kaldor J.M.
Aplastic anemia, leukemia and other cancer mortality in a cohort of shoe workers exposed to benzene
This report presents the results of a historical cohort study in a shoe manufacturing plant in Florence where cases of aplastic anaemia and leukaemia were reported in the 1960s. A total of 1008 men and 1005 women were considered eligible members of the cohort. For total mortality, comparing the rates of the cohort with the national rates, the standardized mortality ratio (SMR) was 79 for the women and 95 for the men. For the men, excess of risk for aplastic anaemia (SMR 1566) and leukaemia (SMR 400) were observed. The increased risk occurred among workers first employed during the period in which benzene was used, but the expected number of cases in the subsequent period was too small to evaluate whether any reduction in risk had occurred. No increasing pattern with duration of employment was discernible.
Scandinavian Journal of Work, Environment and Health, Oct. 1989, Vol.15, No.5, p.313-318. 15 ref.

CIS 89-1872 Mortality from leukemia and other diseases among workers at a petroleum refinery
This study evaluates the mortality experience of 9484 white men who worked at a petroleum refinery. The number of deaths among these men during the period 1940 through 1984 was compared with the number expected on the basis of the mortality rates of US white men. Overall, there were 2,874 observed compared with 3,568 expected deaths. Mortality rates for most major cause of death categories and most cancers were also lower than expected. However, there was a statistically significant 50% excess of leukaemia deaths. Lymphocytic leukaemia was increased both among men hired before 1940 and among men hired in 1940 or later. In contrast, myelocytic leukaemia was increased only among men hired in 1940 or later. This may be due to increased use of benzene in some refinery streams. The presence of an excess of lymphocytic leukaemia, but not myelocytic leukaemia, among men hired before 1940 suggests that some factor other than benzene was responsible for the former condition.
Journal of Occupational Medicine, Feb. 1989, Vol.31, No.2, p.106-111. 23 ref.

1988

CIS 91-199 Teichman R.F., Fallon L.F., Brandt-Rauf P.W.
Health effects on workers in the pharmaceutical industry: a review
Until now little has been published about the known or suspected health risks of people employed in the manufacture and formulation of pharmaceutical products. Physicians are the only segment of the health care industry that have been studied extensively. Although pharmaceutical workers experience a potential risk from carcinogenic agents, the evidence for or against a real threat to their health remains both meagre and speculative. This paper reviews the available literature concerning occupational exposure to pharmaceutical agents.
Journal of the Society of Occupational Medicine, Autumn 1988, Vol.38, No.3, p.55-57. 19 ref.

CIS 90-837 Stayner L.T., Elliott L., Blade L., Keenlyside R., Halperin W.
A retrospective cohort mortality study of workers exposed to formaldehyde in the garment industry
In order to assess the possible human carcinogenicity of formaldehyde, a retrospective cohort mortality study of 11,030 workers exposed for at least 3 months to formaldehyde in 3 garment facilities was carried out. The average (TWA) formaldehyde exposure at the 3 plants monitored in 1981 and 1984 by NIOSH was 0.15ppm. A statistically significant excess in mortality from cancers of the buccal cavity and connective tissue was observed. Statistically nonsignificant excesses in mortality were observed for cancers of the trachea, bronchus and lung, pharynx, bladder, leukaemia and aleukaemia. Mortality from cancers of the trachea, bronchus and lung was inversely related to duration of exposure and latency. In contrast, mortality from cancers of the buccal cavity, leukaemias, and lymphopoietic neoplasms increased with duration of formaldehyde exposure and/or latency. It should be recognised that these findings are based on relatively small numbers and that confounding by other factors may still exist. The results from this investigation do provide evidence of a possible relationship between formaldehyde exposure and the development of upper respiratory cancers (buccal), leukaemias, and other lymphopoietic neoplasms in humans.
American Journal of Industrial Medicine, 1988, Vol.13, No.6, p.667-681. 33 ref.

CIS 90-835 Linet M.S., Malker H.S.R., McLaughlin J.K., Weiner J.A., Stone B.J., Blot W.J., Ericsson L.E., Fraumeni J.F.
Leukemias and occupation in Sweden: A registry-based analysis
A linked-registry was used to examine systematically, on a national basis, the leukaemia incidence in Swedish men by industry and occupation. New associations were observed for chronic lymphocytic leukaemia among cloth and pattern cutters and for chronic myelocytic leukaemia among brewery workers and motor mechanics. A number of additional findings were consistent with previous observations in other countries. Although aetiologic inferences are limited when using linked-registry data, this hypothesis-generating study may provide new clues to the occupational determinants of specific forms of leukaemia.
American Journal of Industrial Medicine, 1988, Vol.14, No.3, p.319-330. 41 ref.

CIS 89-908 Infante P.F., DiStasio M.V.
Occupational benzene exposure: Preventable deaths
Letter to the editor in a major medical journal. In 1977, the US Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) issued a temporary standard reducing the 8h TWA permissible occupational exposure limit for benzene from 10 to 1ppm. This standard was challenged in the courts and was vacated by the Supreme Court in 1980. Though the 1ppm limit was reintroduced (with a short-term exposure limit of 5ppm, see CIS 88-718), the authors present calculations that show that due to the higher exposure limit there were an estimated 198 excess deaths from leukaemia among US workers exposed to benzene during 1977-1988. 77 excess deaths due to multiple myeloma are also suggested for the same period. Significant reductions in benzene exposure levels are recommended for all countries.
Lancet, 18 June 1988, Vol.1, No.8599, p.1399-1400. 10 ref.

CIS 89-639 Bowman J.D., Garabrant D.H., Sobel E., Peters J.M.
Exposure to extremely low frequency (ELF) electromagnetic fields in occupations with elevated leukemia rates
In this study, spot measurements were taken of ELF (< 100Hz) electric and magnetic field exposures of electrical workers at 114 worksites in various industries. For comparison, field strength was measured in 18 residences and 3 offices. The survey indicated that workers were in general more exposed to strong fields than were people in residential and office settings.
Applied Industrial Hygiene, June 1988, Vol.3, No.6, p.189-194. Illus. 38 ref.

1987

CIS 88-1976 Aksoy M., Özeriş S., Sabuncu H, İnanici Y., Yanardağ R.
Exposure to benzene in Turkey between 1983 and 1985: A haematological study on 231 workers
A study was performed to determine the content of benzene in the air and solvents and thinners used by 231 workers in 40 workplaces in Istanbul and Izmir. Benzene concentration in the air of a tyre cord manufacturing factory where 2 cases of acute leukaemia were recorded in a 6-year period was 110ppm. In 9 out of 47 thinners (19.1%) the benzene content ranged between 0% and 6.4% whereas it was between 0.7% and 7.64% in 26 of 34 solvents used. A haematological study of 231 workers showed that there were mild abnormalities in 14 workers including leucopaenia in 9, thrombocytopaenia in 4, and pancytopaenia in 1. This study shows that despite the considerable decrease in the content of benzene in the solvents and thinners available in Istanbul and Izmir, the percentages of benzene in most of the materials are still above permissible limits.
British Journal of Industrial Medicine, Nov. 1987, Vol.44, No.11, p.785-787. 7 ref.

CIS 88-1280 Wong O.
An industry wide mortality study of chemical workers occupationally exposed to benzene. I. General results. II. Dose response analyses
Historical prospective study involving 4,602 male chemical workers from 7 plants in the USA who had been occupationally exposed to benzene for at least 6 months, and 3,074 controls, from the same plants. Significantly higher risks of dying from lymphopoietic cancer (particularly, leukaemia) were found in continuously exposed workers when compared with controls. The dose-response relation was of marginal statistical significance.
British Journal of Industrial Medicine, June 1987, Vol.44, No.6, p.365-395. 66 ref.

CIS 87-570 Yin S.N., Li G.L., Tain F.D., Fu Z.I., Jin C., Chen Y.J., Luo S.J., Ye P.Z., Zhang J.Z., Wang G.C., Zhang X.C., Wu H.N., Zhong Q.C.
Leukaemia in benzene workers: a retrospective cohort study
The study was conducted in 233 benzene factories and 83 control factories in 12 cities in China. The benzene cohort and the control cohort consisted of 28,460 benzene-exposed workers and 28,257 control workers. Thirty cases of leukaemia (25 dead and 5 alive) were detected in the former and 4 cases (all dead) in the latter. The leukaemia mortality rate was 14/100,000 person-years in the benzene cohort and 2/100,000 person-years in the control cohort; the standardized mortality ratio was 5.74. The average latency of benzene leukaemia was 11.4 years; 76.6% of the cases were of the acute type. The mortality due to leukaemia was high in organic synthesis plants, followed by painting and rubber synthesis industries. The concentration of benzene to which patients with a leukaemia were exposed ranged from 10 to 1000mg/m³ (mostly from 50 to 500mg/m³). Of the 25 deaths, 7 had a history of chronic benzene poisoning before the leukaemia developed.
British Journal of Industrial Medicine, Feb. 1987, Vol.44, No.2, p.124-128. Illus. 21 ref.

1986

CIS 86-1536 Sheikh K.
Exposure to electromagnetic fields and the risk of leukaemia
This review of animal and human studies suggesting that electromagnetic fields (EMF) may be human leukemogens shows that the results are inconsistent. In the few studies showing an association between exposure to EMF and the risk of leukaemia, the temporal relationship between exposure and effect was not established, the observed associations were weak, the dose-response relationships were based on qualitative levels of exposure without regard to the duration of exposure or secondary sources of exposure, and the risk ratios were probably biased due to the population selection procedures used and misclassification of exposure. Further epidemiological research is recommended.
Archives of Environmental Health, Jan.-Feb. 1986, Vol.41, No.1, p.56-63. 27 ref.

CIS 86-1534 Flodin U., Fredriksson M., Axelson O., Persson B., Hardell L.
Background radiation, electrical work, and some other exposures associated with acute myeloid leukemia in a case-referent study
Case-referent study involving 59 cases and 354 referents. Information on exposure was collected through mailed questionnaires. The possible effect of background radiation was evaluated by means of a gamma radiation index (based on time spent in concrete buildings both at home and at work). In the 20-54-year-old age group there was an association between leukaemia morbidity and index of background radiation. X-ray treatment and electrical work were also associated with increased rate ratios. With regard to other exposures, only styrene appeared as a risk factor.
Archives of Environmental Health, Mar.-Apr. 1986, Vol.41, No.2, p.77-84. 41 ref.

CIS 86-1066 Hogstedt C., Aringer L., Gustavsson A.
Epidemiologic support for ethylene oxide as a cancer-causing agent
The mortality and incidence of cancer in 3 groups of Swedish workers (733 in all) with occupational exposure to ethylene oxide (EO) was assessed, and compared with national average values in Sweden. Cases of leukaemia (8 observed; 0.83 expected) and stomach cancer (6 observed; 0.65 expected) were more common than expected among the exposed workers. These results provide evidence for an increased risk of malignancy in workers with extended and intermittent exposure to low concentrations of EO.
Journal of the American Medical Association, 28 Mar. 1986, Vol.255, No.12, p.1575-1578. 21 ref.

CIS 86-763 Matanoski G.M., Stockwell H.G., Diamond E.L., Sweeney M.H., Joffe R.D., Mele L.M., Johnson M.L.
A cohort mortality study of painters and allied tradesmen
The mortality experience of 57.175 workers in 4 states in the USA, from 1975 to 1979 was examined. No excess mortality was observed for the total union membership when compared to that of all US white males. When the study population was subdivided by the trade affiliation, members of locals comprised primarily of painters exhibited a significant elevation in mortality from all malignant neoplasms, lung and stomac cancer, compared to all US white males. This observation still remained after the data was treated to reduce the effect of non occupational activities. In addition, there was a statistically significant difference in mortality from leukemia and cancer of the bladder observed between the groups.
Scandinavian Journal of Work, Environment and Health, Feb. 1986, Vol.12, No.1, p.16-21. 21 ref.

1985

CIS 85-1892 McCammon C., Robinson C., Waxweiler R.J., Roscoe R.
Industrial hygiene characterization of automotive wood model shops
A proportionate mortality study and an industrial hygiene survey were conducted by NIOSH in the shops of several car manufacturers in the USA. A significant excess of deaths due to colon cancer and leukaemia was observed. Total dust concentrations measured in the worker's breathing zone ranged from 0.03 to 25mg/m³. The percentage of respirable dust ranged from 19 to 38%. Solvent exposure levels ranged from non-detectable to about 10% of the OSHA permissible exposure levels. Relevant recommendations for the improvement of contamination control are made (ventilation, materials, work practices, etc.).
American Industrial Hygiene Association Journal, July 1985, Vol.46, No.7, p.343-349. 15 ref.

CIS 85-1945 Pearce N.E., Sheppard R.A., Howard J.K., Fraser J., Lilley B.M.
Leukaemia in electrical workers in New Zealand
This letter to the editor describes a case-control study of 546 male leukaemia patients and of 2184 matched controls showing 18 leukaemia patients with an occupation involving potential exposure to electromagnetic fields, as opposed to 43 of the controls. This gives an odds ratio of 1.70, supporting the hypothesis of some kind of relation between such exposure and leukaemia. The highest odds ratios were for electronic equipment assemblers (8.17) and for radio/television repairmen (4.75), showing support for an alternative hypothesis according to which exposure to certain substances used in electrical assembly (such as metal fumes and PCBs) might be the carcinogens.
Lancet, 6 Apr. 1985, Vol.1, No.8432, p.811-812. 9 ref.

CIS 85-1136 McCraw D.S., Joyner R.E., Cole P.
Excess leukemia in a refinery population
A retrospective mortality study of white male employees of a U.S. oil refinery revealed a statistically significant excess number of deaths due to leukaemia. None of the workers deceased were exposed to benzene, and work history data did not provide any clue to causes of the excess observed.
Journal of Occupational Medicine, Mar. 1985, Vol.27, No.3, p.220-222. 14 ref.

1984

CIS 86-1697 Landrigan P.J., Rinsky R.A.
Application of epidemiology to the prevention of occupational cancer
Epidemiology attempts to establish a quantitative causality which is essential in preventive medicine strategies for occupational cancer. By studying carefully exposure-effect relationships and populations at risk, subtle causes of occupational cancer can be identified. The nature of epidemiological reasoning and the criticism of this methodology are outlined. Using combined epidemiological and industrial hygiene data, a quantitative risk assessment of a lifetime exposure of workers to benzene and its association with leukaemia is presented. In a population of 1,000 workers exposed for a working lifetime to 100ppm benzene vapour, 140 excess deaths from leukaemia would occur. At a lifetime exposure of 10ppm, it is calculated that 14 excess leukaemia deaths would occur. Because the current legal standard is 10ppm for occupational exposure, whereas this epidemiological risk assessment indicates that an unacceptably large number of excess leukaemia deaths will result in a population of workers exposed to 10ppm, the occupational exposure standard should be lowered.
Clinical Toxicology, 1984, Vol.22, No.3, p.209-238. 35 ref.

CIS 86-70 Thériault G.
Critical review of epidemiological studies on the relationship between various electromagnetic parameters and the incidence of cancer
This report reviews 10 papers addressing the existence of a relationship between exposure to very-low-frequency electromagnetic fields and the incidence of cancer. Although some of the studies had to be rejected because of methodological weaknesses, there was sufficient evidence of a possible link between leukaemia and exposure to electrical and magnetic fields to warrant further research.
Health and Safety Department of Hydro-Québec, Montréal, Quebec, Canada, May 1984. 27p.

CIS 85-754 McCabe M., Nowak M., Hamilton R., Hartshorn P.
Cancer of lymphatic tissues in cane-growing areas of Queensland
A mortality study of the general population in the tropical sugarcane-growing areas of Queensland (Australia) with respect to leukaemias and lymphomas. The population in a nearby town (Townsville) was used for control. There was a significant excess number of deaths from leukaemia among men over 60 years old in the cane-growing areas as compared to women over 60 in the same area (61 against 13). There was also a significant excess of deaths from cancers of the lymphatic tissues in general among men in the cane-growing areas as compared to men in the town. The possible causative role of long-term exposure to pesticides in agricultural workers is discussed.
Medical Journal of Australia, 29 Sep. 1984, Vol.141, No.7, p.412-414. 14 ref.

CIS 84-821 McDowall M.E.
Leukaemia mortality in electrical workers in England and Wales
A critical analysis of statistics on leukaemia mortality among workers occupationally exposed to electric fields in England and Wales. The data seem to confirm the conclusions of enquiries made in the USA, which suggest a relation between exposure to electric fields and leukaemia occurrence. The difficulties involved in the comparison and interpretation of the data collected are emphasised.
Lancet, 29 Jan. 1983, Vol.1, No.8318, p.246. 6 ref.

1983

CIS 84-1065 Hogendoorn M.
Ozone and leukaemia. Is there a causal relationship?
Evidence that ozone is radiomimetic and may be the cause of an excess of leukaemia found in certain occupational groups (electricians, electronic technicians, linemen, television and radio repairmen, and motion picture projectionists) is presented. These workers are all exposed to electrical or magnetic fields but they are also exposed to ozone originating from electrical discharges which occur in these working environments.
Chemistry in Britain, Nov. 1983, Vol.19, No.11, p.908. 8 ref.

CIS 84-690 Spiers F.W., Lucas H.F., Rundo J., Anast G.A.
Leukaemia incidence in the U.S. dial workers
In a group of 2,940 radium dial painters, 10 cases of leukaemia were observed versus 9.24 expected for a group of this size and age distribution. The group included individuals exposed to low and moderate doses as well as highly exposed cases. In a sub-group of 693 painters analysed by dose group, 2 cases of leukaemia were found versus 2.04 expected. ICRP risk factor analysis of 1,285 located female radium dial workers followed-up for 60 years predicted 13 cases of radium-induced leukaemia additional to 5.4 cases expected naturally. In this group 4 cases were observed.
Health Physics, 1983, Vol.44, Supplement No.1, p.65-72. 23 ref.

CIS 84-791 Arp E.W., Wolf P.H., Checkoway H.
Lymphocytic leukemia and exposures to benzene and other solvents in the rubber industry
Solvent exposure histories of 15 workers with lymphatic leukaemia and 30 matched controls were compared. Affected workers were 4-5 times more likely to have had direct exposure to benzene or other solvents, and they spent greater proportions of their working life in jobs with potential exposure to coal-tar-based benzene and xylene. No differences were seen for petroleum-derived solvents.
Journal of Occupational Medicine, Aug. 1983, Vol.25, No.8, p.598-602. Illus. 46 ref.

CIS 84-757 Farulla A., Alimena G., Naro G., Boccia G., Monaco E., Nanni M., Raymondi G., Tomei F.
Study of the effect of occupational exposure to mutagenic substances on the karyotype clonal evolution in acute leukaemias
Studio dell'effetto della esposizione professionale a sostanze mutagene sulla evoluzione clonale del cariotipo nelle leucemie acute [in Italian]
83 patients with acute non-lymphocytic leukaemia were classified according to their occupational exposure to mutagenic agents (solvents, insecticides, petroleum products). 21 patients had such exposure, while 62 did not. 85.5% of the exposed patients, but only 40.3% of the unexposed ones, showed clonal abnormalities according to chromosome banding experiments. The distribution of certain chromosome aberrations also differed between the two groups. Mutagenic agents seem to influence the karyotype clonal evolution during leukaemia.
Lavoro umano, Jan.-Feb. 1983, Vol.31, No.1, p.5-13. 19 ref.

CIS 83-1978 Coleman M., Bell J., Skeet R.
Leukaemia incidence in electrical workers
The incidence of leukaemia among men in 10 electrical occupations in South-East England in 1961-79 is reported. There was a 17% excess of all leukaemias. The excess was 89% in electrical fitters and 146% in telegraph operators. Acute lymphoid, chronic lymphoid, and acute myeloid leukaemia all showed excesses.
Lancet, 30 Apr. 1982, Vol.I, No.8331, p.982-983. 10 ref.

1982

CIS 84-479 Swaen G.M.H.
Benzene and leukemia - A review of epidemiological studies
Benzeen en leukemie - Een overzicht van epidemiologisch onderzoek [in Dutch]
A review of 14 published epidemiological studies on the leukaemogenic effects of benzene showed that all but one had more or less severe methodological defects; in 6 cases, the level of benzene exposure was completely unknown. These defects do not mean that benzene exposure presents no risk of leukaemia, but they do undermine the significance of the given studies. Statistical calculations show that, if benzene gives a 10-fold increase in a worker's likelihood of contracting non-lymphatic leukaemia, a 20-year cohort study of 3,000 subjects will be necessary to demonstrate the connection between benzene and leukaemia with 80% confidence. If the relative risk factor is less than 10, even larger cohorts will be required.
Tijdschrift voor sociale geneeskunde, 13 Oct. 1982, Vol.60, No.20, p.562-567. 33 ref.

CIS 83-1304 Wright W.E., Peters J.M., Mack T.M.
Leukaemia in workers exposed to electrical and magnetic fields
The Cancer Surveillance Programme, a population-based registry that collects information on incidence cases of cancer in Los Angeles county (USA), was reviewed for leukaemia cases in men who were listed as having jobs with exposure to electric or magnetic fields. For white males between 1972 and 1979 there was a trend towards increased proportional incidence ratios for all leukemias, and the risk was greatest for acute myelogenous leukaemia. The excess risk was significant for power and telephone linemen. Other shared exposures in these occupational groups may also contribute to this risk.
Lancet, 20 Nov. 1982, Vol.2, No.8308, p.1160-1161. 6 ref.

CIS 83-1067 Milham S.
Mortality from leukemia in workers exposed to electrical and magnetic fields
438,000 deaths were analysed. The proportionate mortality ratio for leukaemia was elevated in 10 of 11 occupations with presumed exposure to electrical or magnetic fields, especially television and radio repairmen, power station operators, aluminium workers, radio and telegraph operators, linemen, and electricians.
New England Journal of Medicine, 22 July 1982, Vol.307, No.4, p.249. 1 ref.

CIS 83-207 Gold E.B., Diener M.D., Szklo M.
Parental occupations and cancer in children - A case control study and review of the methodologie issues
The occupation and occupational exposure of parents before and after the birth of a child who later developed leukaemia or a brain tumour (cases) were compared with the occupational experience of parents of children with other cancers and of normal children. 43 children diagnosed with leukaemia from 1969 to 1974 and 70 children diagnosed with brain tumours from 1965 to 1974 were ascertained. There was no relation between parental occupation and the occurrence of leukaemia or brain tumours in the offspring. The methodological problems of this and similar studies are reviewed.
Journal of Occupational Medicine, Aug. 1982, Vol.24, No.8, p.578-584. 13 ref.

1981

CIS 82-696 Flodin U., Andersson L., Anjou C.G., Palm U.B., Vikrot O., Axelson O.
A case-referent study on acute myeloid leukemia, background radiation and exposure to solvents and other agents
A questionnaire survey, completed by next of kin, was used to determine exposure to background radiation, solvents and other agents of 42 cases who had died as a result of acute myeloid leukaemia and 244 referents deceased due to non-cancer causes. Statistical analysis of the data and a gamma radiation index, weighing the time spent outdoors and indoors and considering the building material in the homes and workplaces of these subjects, was used to determine the effect of radiation. In the age range 20-49 years, and to some extent between 50 and 69 years, an effect of background radiation was observed and a trend suggesting an exposure-effect relation existed. A 6-fold increase in the rate ratio was found for solvent exposure which also modified the effect of background radiation. Other exposures were associated with modest increases int he rate ratios and/or very small numbers of exposed individuals.
Scandinavian Journal of Work, Environment and Health, Sep. 1981, Vol.7, No.3, p.169-178. 34 ref.

CIS 81-1105 Wolf P.H., Andjelkovich D., Smith A., Tyroler H.
A case-control study of leukemia in the U.S. rubber industry.
72 fatal cases of leukaemia in workers at 4 rubber and tyre manufacturing companies were matched with controls. The association between solvent exposure and leukaemia was weaker than had previously been reported at one of the companies. There was no association at the other 3 companies. Lymphatic leukaemia was associated with work experience in general service jobs for the 2 larger companies from which 89% of the cases derived.
Journal of Occupational Medicine, Feb. 1981, Vol.23, No.2, p.103-108. 17 ref.

CIS 81-776 Rinsky R.A., Zumwalde R.D., Waxweiler R.J., Murray W.E., Bierbaum P.J., Landrigan P.J., Terpilak M., Cox C.
Cancer mortality at a naval nuclear shipyard.
A retrospective mortality study of all civilian workers employed at the shipyard in 1952-1977 is reported. Three cohorts were identified: 7,615 workers with radiation exposure of 0.001-91.414rem, 15,585 non-radiation workers; and 1,345 radiation workers without measureable exposure. There was no excess mortality due to leukaemia or any other cause. There was no dose-response relation with radiation or any indreased mortality in radiation over non-radiation workers. A limitation of the study was the short latency period since first radiation.
Lancet, 31 Jan. 1981, Vol.I, No.8214, p.231-235. 14 ref.

1980

CIS 82-984 Schüttmann W.
The radiologist's occupational radiation risk in relation to international epidemiological studies
Das berufliche Strahlenrisiko des Radiologen in der Sicht internationaler epidemiologischer Studien [in German]
A review of the literature of the years 1940-1970 on epidemiologic studies of radiation-induced malignancies (in particular leukaemias) among radiotherapists. Early studies on the incidence of leukaemia among radiologists indicated that radiologists had a much higher risk of developing leukaemia than did the general population or other types of physician. However, subsequent studies showed that the incidence of leukaemia amongst radiologists decreased from the 1930s to the 1960s, while the average life expectancy increased; this is attributed to more stringent radioprotection measures. More recent studies show further decreases in the incidence of leukaemias and aplastic anaemias but increases in lymphatic and reticular-tissue malignancies. The current radiation is reviewed and it is concluded that a small but significant risk of developing radiation-induced malignancies exists for radiologists.
Radiologische Diagnose, 1980, Vol.21, No.6, p.849-858. 20 ref.

CIS 81-138 Linos A., Kyle R.A., O'Fallon W.M., Kurland L.T.
A case-control study of occupational exposures and leukaemia.
Between 1955 and 1974, 138 cases of leukaemia occurred in Olmsted County, Minnesota. Farming and health-related occupations occurred frequently enough to permit analysis. Neither occupation was commoner among leukaemia sufferers than control subjects.
International Journal of Epidemiology, June 1980, Vol.9, No.2, p.131-135. 17 ref.

1979

CIS 80-460 Mitelman F., Nilsson P.G., Brandt L., Alimena G., Montuoro A., Dallapiccola B.
Chromosomes, leukaemia, and occupational exposure to leukaemogenic agents.
The study abstracted under CIS 80-459 was extended to a total of 156 patients with acute non-lymphocytic leukaemia (ANLL). Clonal chromosomal aberrations were significantly more common in exposed than non-exposed patients: 76% of exposed, 32% of non-exposed. 9 of the 12 patients with normal chromosomes were exposed to petroleum products or their combustion residues; 32 of 34 patients exposed to chemical solvents and insecticides had abnormal chromosomes. Possible causes of conflicting results with other studies are discussed. Prospective studies are in progress.
Lancet, 1 Dec. 1979, Vol.II, No.8153, p.1195-1196. 5 ref.

CIS 80-146 Lawler S.D., Summersgill B.M., Clink H.M., McElwain T.J.
Chromosome, leukaemia, and occupational exposure to leukaemogenic agents.
This letter to the Editor reports that no correlation between chromosome findings in the bone marrow and the presence of acute non-lymphocytic leukaemia was seen in 67 patients, nor were there more non-random chromosomal abnormalities among patients exposed to leukaemogenic agents.
Lancet, Oct. 1979, Vol.2, No.8147, p.853-854.

CIS 79-1099 Hogstedt C., Malmqvist N., Wadman B.
Leukemia in workers exposed to ethylene oxide.
Ethylene oxide is used in the production of ethylene glycol and of surface-active agents, and as a fungicide and sterilant. Three cases of leukaemia are reported (expected incidence: 0.2 cases) that occurred in Sweden between 1972 and 1977 as a result of leakage from boxes of medical equipment sterilised with 50% ethylene oxide and 50% methyl formate. Time-weighted average (TWA) concentration was 20±10ppm. Two of the cases were fatal. The Swedish TWA for ethylene oxide has been reduced to 10ppm.
Journal of the American Medical Association, 16 Mar. 1979, Vol.241, No.11, p.1132-1133. 14 ref.

1978

CIS 80-459 Mitelman F., Brandt L., Nilsson P.G.
Relation among occupational exposure to potential mutagenic/carcinogenic agents, clinical findings and bone marrow chromosomes in acute nonlymphocytic leukemia.
Chromosome banding patterns, cytological diagnosis and clinical findings were compared in 23 patients with acute non-lymphocytic leukaemia (ANLL) exposed to chemical solvents, insecticides, and petroleum products, and 33 with ANLL and no history of such exposure. Acute myeloid leukaemia was more common in the exposed group, and monocytic varieties of ANLL were common in the non-exposed group. 24.2% of the non-exposed and 82.6% of the exposed group had chromosome aberrations; 84.2% of the exposed group had at least one of monosomy 5 or 7 or trisomy 8 or 21, compared with only 2 aberrations in the non-exposed group. Other aberrations in the non-exposed group were not seen in the exposed subjects.
Blood, Dec. 1978, Vol.52, No.6, p.1229-1237. 28 ref.

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