Occupational formaldehyde exposure and increased nasal cancer risk in man

Abstract

A comprehensive data linkage system for the detailed investigation of occupational cancer has newly been established in the Danish Cancer Registry, providing employment histories back until 1964. Based on this system a study of 839 cases of cancer of the nasal cavities, sinuses and rhinopharynx and 2,465 cancer controls diagnosed in Denmark during the period 1970‐1982 was conducted. Histories of exposure to formaldehyde, wood‐dust and 10 other specified compounds or procedures, were assessed by industrial hygienists unaware of the case‐control status of the cancer patients under study. Some 4.2% of the male and 0.1% of the female controls had been exposed to formaldehyde. A statistically significant excess risk (p < 0.05) for carcinoma of the nasal cavity and sinuses among males with a history of exposure to formaldehyde (RR = 2.8), wood‐dust (RR = 2.5) and paint lacquer and glue (RR = 2.1) was found. When adjustment was made for wood‐dust exposure the relative risk associated with formaldehyde was reduced to 1.6, which is not significantly in excess of 1.0, although still compatible with a 3‐ to 4‐fold increase in risk using conventional 95% confidence limits. The joint action of exposure to wood‐dust and formaldehyde was in accordance with an additive effect. The excess risk of sino‐nasal cancer with exposure to paint, lacquer and glue remained statistically elevated after adjustment for contemporary exposure to wood‐dust and formaldehyde.