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Torén K, Neitzel RL, Eriksson HP, Andersson E. Cancer incidence among workers in soft paper mills: A cohort study. Am J Ind Med 2023; 66:728-735. [PMID: 37302119 DOI: 10.1002/ajim.23508] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/05/2023] [Revised: 05/10/2023] [Accepted: 05/30/2023] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES To elucidate whether occupational exposure to soft paper dust increases the incidence of cancer. METHODS We studied 7988 workers in Swedish soft paper mills from 1960 to 2008, of whom 3233 (2 187 men and 1046 women) had more than 10 years of employment. They were divided into high exposure (>5 mg/m3 for >1 year) or lower exposure to soft paper dust based on a validated job-exposure matrix. They were followed from 1960 to 2019, and person-years at risk were stratified according to gender, age, and calendar-year. The expected numbers of incident tumors were calculated using the Swedish population as the reference, and standardized incidence ratios (SIR) with 95% confidence intervals (95% CI) were assessed. RESULTS Among high-exposure workers with more than 10 years of employment, there was an increased incidence of colon cancer (SIR 1.66, 95% CI 1.20-2.31), small intestine cancer (SIR 3.27, 95% CI 1.36-7.86), and thyroid gland cancer (SIR 2.68, 95% CI 1.11-6.43), as well as lung cancer (SIR 1.56, 95% CI 1.12-2.19). Among the lower-exposed workers there was an increased incidence of connective tissue tumors (sarcomas) (SIR 2.26, 95% CI 1.13-4.51) and pleural mesothelioma (SIR 3.29, 95% CI 1.37-7.91). CONCLUSION Workers in soft paper mills with high exposure to soft paper dust have an increased incidence of large and small intestine tumors. Whether the increased risk is caused by paper dust exposure or some unknown associated factors is unclear. The increased incidence of pleural mesothelioma is probably linked to asbestos exposure. The reason for increased incidence of sarcomas is unknown.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kjell Torén
- School of Public Health and Community Medicine, Institute of Medicine, Sahlgrenska Academy, Occupational and Environmental Medicine, University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden
- Department of Occupational and Environmental Medicine, Sahlgrenska University Hospital, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Richard L Neitzel
- Department of Environmental Health Sciences, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA
| | - Helena P Eriksson
- Department of Occupational and Environmental Medicine, Sahlgrenska University Hospital, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Eva Andersson
- Department of Occupational and Environmental Medicine, Sahlgrenska University Hospital, Gothenburg, Sweden
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Torén K, Neitzel R, Sallsten G, Andersson E. Occupational exposure to soft paper dust and mortality. Occup Environ Med 2020; 77:549-554. [PMID: 32241835 PMCID: PMC7402447 DOI: 10.1136/oemed-2019-106394] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/26/2019] [Revised: 02/24/2020] [Accepted: 03/19/2020] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Occupational exposure to soft paper dust is associated with impaired lung function. Whether there is an increased risk for asthma or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is unclear. METHODS We studied 7870 workers from three Swedish soft paper mills, and defined high-exposed workers, as having been exposed to soft paper dust exceeding 5 mg/m3 for at least 5 years. The remaining workers were classified as 'low exposed'. Person-years at risk were calculated and stratified according to gender, age and calendar-year. The follow-up time was from 1960 to 2013. The expected numbers of deaths were calculated using the Swedish population as reference and standardised mortality ratios (SMRs) with 95% CIs were assessed. RESULTS There was an increased mortality due to obstructive lung disease (asthma and COPD), among high-exposed workers, SMR 1.89, 95% CI 1.20 to 2.83, based on 23 observed cases. High-exposed workers had an increased mortality from asthma, SMR 4.13, 95% CI 1.78 to 8.14, based on eight observed cases. The increased asthma mortality was also observed among high-exposed men, SMR 4.38, 95% CI 1.42 to 10.2, based on five observed cases. The asthma mortality among low-exposed workers, both men and women, was not increased. The COPD mortality was not clearly increased among high-exposed workers (SMR 1.52, 95% CI 0.85 to 2.50). CONCLUSION High occupational exposure to soft paper dust increases the mortality due to asthma, and the results suggest that soft paper dust levels in workplaces should be below 5 mg/m3.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kjell Torén
- Occupational and Environmental Medicine, School of Public Health and Community Medicine, Sahlgrenska Academy, University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden .,Dept of Occupational and Environmental Medicine, Sahlgrenska University Hospital, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Richard Neitzel
- Department of Environmental Health Sciences, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA
| | - Gerd Sallsten
- Dept of Occupational and Environmental Medicine, Sahlgrenska University Hospital, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Eva Andersson
- Dept of Occupational and Environmental Medicine, Sahlgrenska University Hospital, Gothenburg, Sweden
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Andersson E, Sällsten G, Lohman S, Neitzel R, Torén K. Lung function and paper dust exposure among workers in a soft tissue paper mill. Int Arch Occup Environ Health 2019; 93:105-110. [PMID: 31451924 PMCID: PMC6989582 DOI: 10.1007/s00420-019-01469-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/13/2019] [Accepted: 08/14/2019] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
Purpose To study respiratory effects of exposure to soft paper dust exposure, a relationship that is rarely studied. Methods Soft tissue paper mill workers at a Swedish paper mill were investigated using a questionnaire and lung function and atopy screening. Spirometry without bronchodilation was performed with a dry wedge spirometer, and forced vital capacity (FVC) and forced expiratory volume in 1 s (FEV1) were obtained and expressed as percent predicted. Exposure to soft paper dust was assessed from historical stationary and personal measurements of total dust, in addition to historical information about the work, department, and production. The impact of high exposure to soft paper dust (> 5 mg/m3) vs. lower exposure ≤ 5 mg/m3, as well as cumulative exposure, was analyzed using multiple linear regression models. Multivariate models were adjusted for smoking, atopy, gender, and body mass index. Results One hundred ninety-eight current workers (124 male and 74 female) were included. There were significant associations between both cumulative exposure and years of high exposure to soft paper dust and impaired lung function. Each year of high exposure to soft paper dust was associated with a 0.87% decrease in FEV1 [95% confidence interval (CI) − 1.39 to − 0.35] and decreased FVC (− 0.54%, 95% CI − 1.00 to − 0.08) compared to the lower exposed workers. Conclusions The present study shows that occupational exposure to soft paper dust (years exceeding 5 mg/m3 total dust) is associated with lung function impairment and increased prevalence of obstructive lung function impairment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eva Andersson
- Occupational and Environmental Medicine, Sahlgrenska Academy and University Hospital, Box 414, 405 30, Göteborg, Sweden
| | - Gerd Sällsten
- Occupational and Environmental Medicine, Sahlgrenska Academy and University Hospital, Box 414, 405 30, Göteborg, Sweden
| | - Susanna Lohman
- Occupational and Environmental Medicine, Sahlgrenska Academy and University Hospital, Box 414, 405 30, Göteborg, Sweden
| | - Richard Neitzel
- Department of Environmental Health Sciences, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - Kjell Torén
- Occupational and Environmental Medicine, Sahlgrenska Academy and University Hospital, Box 414, 405 30, Göteborg, Sweden.
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Westerlund J, Graff P, Bryngelsson IL, Westberg H, Eriksson K, Löfstedt H. Occupational Exposure to Trichloramine and Trihalomethanes in Swedish Indoor Swimming Pools: Evaluation of Personal and Stationary Monitoring. ANNALS OF OCCUPATIONAL HYGIENE 2015; 59:1074-84. [PMID: 26155991 PMCID: PMC4593183 DOI: 10.1093/annhyg/mev045] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/22/2014] [Accepted: 06/05/2015] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Abstract
Introduction: Chlorination is a method commonly used to keep indoor swimming pool water free from pathogens. However, chlorination of swimming pools produces several potentially hazardous by-products as the chlorine reacts with nitrogen containing organic matter. Up till now, exposure assessments in indoor swimming pools have relied on stationary measurements at the poolside, used as a proxy for personal exposure. However, measurements at fixed locations are known to differ from personal exposure. Methods: Eight public swimming pool facilities in four Swedish cities were included in this survey. Personal and stationary sampling was performed during day or evening shift. Samplers were placed at different fixed positions around the pool facilities, at ~1.5 m above the floor level and 0–1 m from the poolside. In total, 52 personal and 110 stationary samples of trichloramine and 51 personal and 109 stationary samples of trihalomethanes, were collected. Results: The average concentration of trichloramine for personal sampling was 71 µg m−3, ranging from 1 to 240 µg m−3 and for stationary samples 179 µg m−3, ranging from 1 to 640 µg m−3. The air concentrations of chloroform were well below the occupational exposure limit (OEL). For the linear regression analysis and prediction of personal exposure to trichloramine from stationary sampling, only data from personal that spent >50% of their workday in the pool area were included. The linear regression analysis showed a correlation coefficient (r2) of 0.693 and a significant regression coefficient β of 0.621; (95% CI = 0.329–0.912, P = 0.001). Conclusion: The trichloramine exposure levels determined in this study were well below the recommended air concentration level of 500 µg m−3; a WHO reference value based on stationary sampling. Our regression data suggest a relation between personal exposure and area sampling of 1:2, implying an OEL of 250 µg m−3 based on personal sampling.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jessica Westerlund
- Department of Occupational and Environmental Medicine, Faculty of Medicine and Health, Örebro University, SE-701 85 Örebro, Sweden; Department of Clinical Medicine, School of Health Sciences, Örebro University, SE-701 85 Örebro, Sweden
| | - Pål Graff
- Department of Occupational and Environmental Medicine, Faculty of Medicine and Health, Örebro University, SE-701 85 Örebro, Sweden;
| | - Ing-Liss Bryngelsson
- Department of Occupational and Environmental Medicine, Faculty of Medicine and Health, Örebro University, SE-701 85 Örebro, Sweden
| | - Håkan Westberg
- Department of Occupational and Environmental Medicine, Faculty of Medicine and Health, Örebro University, SE-701 85 Örebro, Sweden; Man-Technology-Environment Research Centre (MTM), Department of Science, Örebro University, SE-701 85 Örebro, Sweden
| | - Kåre Eriksson
- Department of Public Health and Clinical Medicine, Occupational and Environmental Medicine, Umeå University, SE-90187 Umeå, Sweden
| | - Håkan Löfstedt
- Department of Occupational and Environmental Medicine, Faculty of Medicine and Health, Örebro University, SE-701 85 Örebro, Sweden
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Rix BA, Villadsen E, Engholm G, Lynge E. Hodgkin's disease, pharyngeal cancer, and soft tissue sarcomas in Danish paper mill workers. J Occup Environ Med 1998; 40:55-62. [PMID: 9467121 DOI: 10.1097/00043764-199801000-00011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Several studies have indicated an increased cancer risk among paper mill workers, based on rather few cancer cases. The authors studied cancer incidence in a large historical cohort of 14,362 Danish paper mill workers, employed at any time between 1943 and 1990, and followed up until December 31, 1993. Men had an increased risk of pharyngeal cancer (15 observed (obs), standardized incidence ratio (SIR) 1.99, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.11-3.29). With two additional cases among women, 11 of 17 cases were located in the tonsils. Men also had an increased risk of Hodgkin's disease (18 obs, SIR 2.01, 95% CI 1.19-3.18). Women had an increased risk of soft tissue sarcomas (nine obs, SIR 2.33, 95% CI 1.06-4.43), with a high risk among female paper sorters (eight obs, SIR 3.98, 95% CI 1.71-7.84). The study thus supports some studies' observations of an increased risk of Hodgkin's disease in paper mill workers. The detailed reporting of cancer cases in paper mill workers have furthermore revealed a risk of pharyngeal cancer together with a risk of soft tissue sarcomas in paper sorters.
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Affiliation(s)
- B A Rix
- Danish Cancer Society, Copenhagen, Denmark
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Abstract
OBJECTIVES Studies in traditional paper mills have indicated an excess cancer risk, and mutagenic compounds have been identified in the industry. No studies have reported on risk of cancer in paper recycling. Therefore the cancer incidence in Danish paper recycling mills was investigated. METHODS 5377 employees in five paper recycling plants were included in a historical cohort study. The workers had been employed in paper recycling in 1965-90, and the cohort was followed up until 31 December 1993. The expected number of cancer cases was calculated from national rates. RESULTS There was significantly more pharyngeal cancer among male workers (seven observed (standardised incidence ratio (SIR) 3.33, 95% confidence interval (95% CI) 1.34 to 6.87)). There was slightly more lung cancer among male workers in production (39 observed, SIR 1.21, 95% CI 0.86 to 1.65). Risk of Hodgkin's disease was doubled in male production worker (four observed, SIR 1.90, 95% CI 0.51 to 4.85). CONCLUSIONS The increased risk of pharyngeal cancer found in this study is interesting but may be influenced by confounders such as smoking and alcohol intake. This study also indicates an excess risk of Hodgkin's disease, which is in accordance with some studies in the traditional paper mills. As this is the first report on risk of cancer in paper recycling, further studies are needed.
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Affiliation(s)
- B A Rix
- Danish Cancer Society, Copenhagen, Denmark
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