Mortality and cancer morbidity in a cohort of Canadian petroleum workers. Issue 12 (21st November 2003)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Lewis, R J; Schnatter, A R; Drummond, I; Murray, N; Thompson, F S; Katz, A M; Jorgensen, G; Nicolich, M J; Dahlman, D; Thériault, G
• Is Part Of: Occupational and environmental medicine. Volume 60:Issue 12(2003)
• Page Start: 918
• Page End: 928
• Publication Date: 2003-11-21
• Subjects: petroleum workers -- hydrocarbon solvents and fuels -- hydrocarbon lubricants -- petroleum coke/spent catalyst -- H2S -- cancer incidence -- mortality; CCDB, Canadian Cancer Database -- CE, cumulative exposure -- CMDB, Canadian Mortality Data Base -- ETHIS, exposure tracking and health information system -- GEP, good epidemiology practice -- HRMS, human resources management system -- IARC, International Agency for Research on Cancer -- ICD, International Classification of Diseases -- LHC, lymphohaematopoietic cancer -- NDI, National Death Index -- OCMAP, Occupational Cohort Mortality Analysis Program -- OEL, occupational exposure limit -- PAH, polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons -- RR, relative rate -- SC, Statistics Canada -- SEG, similar exposure group -- SIR, standardised incidence ratios -- SMR, standardised mortality ratios; Medicine, Industrial -- Periodicals; Environmental health -- Periodicals; 616.980305
• DOI: 10.1136/oem.60.12.918
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1351-0711

Abstract

Abstract : Aims: To assess mortality and cancer morbidity in Canadian petroleum workers and explore exposure-response relations for specific petroleum agents. Methods: A total of 25 292 employees hired between 1964 and 1994 were linked to the Canadian tumour registry and national mortality database. Exposure-response trends were assessed for hydrocarbon solvents/fuels, hydrocarbon lubricants, petroleum coke/spent catalyst, and hydrogen sulphide (H2 S). Results: External comparison analyses (mortality and incidence) showed deficits for all causes and all malignant neoplasms combined and were consistent with expectation for most malignant and non-malignant sites analysed. Gall bladder cancer mortality was increased among males based on four deaths, but cases had no common job assignments and the increase was focused in workers employed <10 years. Mesothelioma incidence was increased. Most exposure-specific analyses were compromised by small numbers. Statistically significant increases were observed for H2 S exposure and a subgroup of accidental deaths as well as for petroleum coke/spent catalyst exposure and lung cancer. While both findings have a degree of biologic plausibility, the H2 S association, which exhibited a clearer exposure-response pattern, could be subject to unmeasured confounders. Additionally, interpretation was complicated by the high correlation between hydrocarbon and H2 S exposures. With regard to lung cancer, the analysis could not adequately control for smoking, was based on small numbers, and exhibited a tenuous exposure-response pattern. Conclusion: The findings for mesothelioma suggest the need for continued attention to asbestos in the petroleum industry. The relation between accidental deaths and H2 S exposure deserves closer scrutiny in similarly exposed populations. Further analyses of lung cancer are underway and will be reported separately.