Renal cell cancer risk and occupational exposure to trichloroethylene: results of a consecutive case-control study in Arnsberg, Germany

Am J Ind Med. 2003 Mar;43(3):274-85. doi: 10.1002/ajim.10185.

Abstract

Background: German studies of high exposure prevalence have been debated on the renal carcinogenicity of trichloroethylene (TRI).

Methods: A consecutive hospital-based case-control study with 134 renal cell cancer (RCC) cases and 401 controls was conducted to reevaluate the risk of TRI in this region which were estimated in a previous study. Exposure was self-assessed to compare these studies. Additionally, the job history was analyzed, using expert-based exposure information.

Results: The logistic regression results, adjusted for age, gender, and smoking, confirmed a TRI-related RCC risk in this region. Using the database CAREX for a comparison of industries with and without TRI exposure, a significant excess risk was estimated for the longest held job in TRI-exposing industries (odds ratio (OR) 1.80, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.01-3.20). Any exposure in "metal degreasing" was a RCC risk factor (OR 5.57, 95% CI 2.33-13.32). Self-reported narcotic symptoms, indicative of peak exposures, were associated with an excess risk (OR 3.71, 95% CI 1.80-7.54).

Conclusions: The study supports the human nephrocarcinogenicity of trichloroethylene.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Research Support, U.S. Gov't, Non-P.H.S.

MeSH terms

  • Aged
  • Carcinoma, Renal Cell / chemically induced*
  • Carcinoma, Renal Cell / epidemiology
  • Case-Control Studies
  • Female
  • Germany / epidemiology
  • Humans
  • Interviews as Topic
  • Kidney Neoplasms / chemically induced*
  • Kidney Neoplasms / epidemiology
  • Logistic Models
  • Male
  • Metallurgy
  • Occupational Exposure / adverse effects*
  • Occupations / statistics & numerical data
  • Risk Factors
  • Solvents / adverse effects*
  • Trichloroethylene / adverse effects*

Substances

  • Solvents
  • Trichloroethylene