Self-Reported Medical Conditions in Perfluorooctanesulfonyl Fluoride Manufacturing Workers

Abstract

To evaluate whether some cancers, other conditions, and pregnancy outcomes were related to occupational perfluorooctane sulfonate (PFOS) exposure. We surveyed current and former employees of a perfluorooctanesulfonyl fluoride production facility, using a self-administered questionnaire to ascertain several cancers and health conditions. Female cohort members also completed a brief pregnancy history. We requested medical records to validate reported melanoma, breast, prostate, and colon cancers. PFOS exposure was estimated based on a job exposure matrix up to the year of the diagnosis of the condition. Of the 1,895 eligible participants, 1,400 questionnaires were returned. No association was observed between working in a PFOS-exposed job and the risk of any of the surveyed conditions. We observed no association between working in a PFOS-exposed job and several cancers, common health conditions, and birth weight.