Mortality experience of workers exposed to vinyl chloride monomer in the manufacture of polyvinyl chloride in Great Britain.

Abstract

Identification particulars were obtained for over 7000 men who were at some time between 1940-1974 exposed to vinyl chloride monomer in the manufacture of polyvinyl chloride. Approximately 99% of these men were traced and their mortality experience studied. The overall standardized mortality ratio, 75.4, shows a significant reduction compared with the national rates. Four cases of liver cancer were found; 2 were confirmed by a panel of liver pathologists as angiosarcoma and 2 as not angiosarcoma. There is no evidence to support the hypothesis that cancers other than those of the liver are associated with exposure to vinyl chlodrie monomer. The 2 cases of angiosarcoma were found in men who were exposed to high concentrations of the monomer although the 2nd man died only 8 yr after 1st exposure. The industry in Great Britain has expanded considerably since the 2nd World War with over 50% of men having entered within the last decade.