Occupational risk factors for lung cancer in men and women: a population-based case-control study in Italy

Objective: We investigated the role of occupation in lung cancerogenesis in two Northern Italian areas. Methods: During 1990 - 1992, occupational histories were obtained for 1171 incident lung cancer cases ( 956 men, 176 women) and 1553 population controls ( 1253 men, 300 women) and were evaluated for having been employed in jobs entailing exposure to known or suspected lung carcinogens. A further exploratory analysis on other job titles and branches of industry was conducted. Results: Among men, we found a smoking-adjusted odds ratio (OR) of 2.1 (95% confidence interval: 1.6 - 2.8) for exposure to known carcinogens, corresponding to a population attributable risk of 9.5% (6.0 - 13.0). Non-ferrous metal workers and painters had a significantly increased risk. No association was found for exposure to suspected carcinogens. In the exploratory analysis, the OR was increased for cleaners (OR: 2.7; 1.0 - 7.4), bakers (5.7; 1.4 - 24), tailors (6.9; 1.2 - 39), plumbers and pipe fitters (2.6; 1.0 - 6.4), welders and flame-cutters (5.6; 2.1 - 15), dockers and freight handlers (1.7; 1.0 - 2.7) and construction workers (1.4; 1.1 - 1.9). Female glass workers, laundry/dry cleaners and workers in rubber industry had an increased risk. Conclusions: The study indicates that a sizable proportion of lung cancers among men may be due to occupational exposures and suggests that exposure to lung carcinogens occurs in different jobs in women compared to men.