LUNG-CANCER IN CHLOROMETHYL ETHER WORKERS

Abstract

From 1948-1971 some workers in a chemical plant were exposed to chloromethyl ethers in varying degrees and for varying durations. A historical cohort study of 1446 male production employees from 1960-1975 showed an increased risk of lung cancer among 465 exposed workers as compared to that in the general population and a dose-response relationship. Significantly increased risk occurred only among men with moderate and heavy chemical exposure. Smoking habit could account for some cases of lung cancer that developed in men with light chemical exposure and for cases among unexposed workers. Microscopic sections of most of the lung cancers were reviewed; apparently small-cell carcinoma was a specific response to inhalation of chloromethyl ethers.