Different measures of asbestos exposure in estimating risk of lung cancer and mesothelioma among construction workers

J Occup Environ Med. 2002 Dec;44(12):1190-6. doi: 10.1097/00043764-200212000-00015.

Abstract

To analyze occupation, expert-evaluated cumulative exposure, and radiographic abnormalities as indicators of asbestos-related cancer risk we followed 16,696 male construction workers for cancer in 1990-2000. We calculated standardized incidence ratios (SIR) in comparison to the Finnish population and relative risks (RR) in a multivariate analysis in comparison to the internal low-exposure category of each indicator. Overall, the risk was increased for mesothelioma (SIR 2.0, 95% CI = 1.0-3.3), but not for lung cancer (SIR 1.1, 95% CI = 0.9-1.2). Radiographic lung fibrosis indicated a 2-fold and a high value of the exposure index a 3-fold RR of lung cancer, while there was no risk among those with pleural plaques. The risk of lung cancer was the highest in insulators (RR 3.7, 95% CI = 1.4-9.9). Occupation, expert-evaluated cumulative exposure, and lung fibrosis are useful indicators of lung cancer risk among construction workers.

Publication types

  • Comparative Study
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Asbestos / adverse effects*
  • Finland / epidemiology
  • Humans
  • Lung Neoplasms / diagnostic imaging
  • Lung Neoplasms / etiology*
  • Male
  • Mesothelioma / diagnostic imaging
  • Mesothelioma / etiology*
  • Middle Aged
  • Occupational Diseases / etiology
  • Occupational Exposure / adverse effects*
  • Occupations
  • Radiography
  • Risk Factors
  • Smoking / epidemiology
  • Time Factors

Substances

  • Asbestos