Associação entre intoxicação exógena e exposição ocupacional e ambiental de pacientes com câncer em Mato Grosso / Association between exogenous intoxication and occupational and environmental exposure of cancer patients in Mato Grosso

RESUMO O objetivo deste estudo foi investigar a associação entre características sociodemográficas relacionadas à exposição ambiental e ocupacional e o autorrelato de intoxicação de pacientes com diagnóstico de câncer em Mato Grosso, Brasil. Trata-se de um estudo transversal, com 998 pacientes com câncer atendidos em hospitais de referência do estado. A variável dependente foi obtida a partir do autorrelato de algum sintoma de intoxicação nos últimos 5 anos e se a intoxicação foi decorrente ou não do trabalho/ocupação. A associação entre características sociodemográficas relacionadas à intoxicação e à exposição ambiental e ocupacional e o autorrelato de intoxicação foi avaliada pelo teste exato de Fisher. Do total de entrevistados, 7,4% (IC95%: 6,0; 9,2) referiram intoxicação, sendo 2,3% dos casos (IC95%: 1,5; 3,4) decorrentes do trabalho. Os fatores associados ao autorrelato de intoxicação decorrente do trabalho foram ser do sexo masculino, ter escolaridade menor que 4 anos, sintoma de dor de cabeça, intoxicação por agrotóxico agrícola, por via respiratória e ter trabalhado com agrotóxicos, amianto, metais pesados e poeira industrial. Conclui-se que os indivíduos com maior exposição ocupacional aos agrotóxicos e a outros produtos químicos referiram maior ocorrência de intoxicações decorrentes do trabalho.

ABSTRACT The aim of this study was to investigate the association between sociodemographic characteristics, related to environmental and occupational exposure and self-report of intoxication in patients diagnosed with cancer in Mato Grosso, Brazil. This is a cross-sectional study, with 998 cancer patients seen at referral hospitals in the state. The dependent variable was obtained from the self-report of some intoxication symptom in the last 5 years and whether or not the intoxication was caused by work/occupation. The association between sociodemographic characteristics, related to intoxication and environmental and occupational exposure and self-report of intoxication was assessed by Fisher's exact test. Of all respondents, 7.4% (95%CI: 6.0; 9.2) reported intoxication, and 2.3% (95%CI: 1.5; 3.4) were work-related. Factors associated with self-reported work-related intoxication were being male, having less than 4 years of education, headache, intoxication by agricultural pesticides, by respiratory route and having worked with pesticides, asbestos, heavy metals and industrial dust. It was concluded that individuals with higher occupational exposure to pesticides and other chemicals reported higher occurrence of poisoning due to work.

Burden of occupational cancer in Brazil and federative units, 1990-2019 / Carga de câncer relacionado ao trabalho no Brasil e unidades da federação, 1990-2019

ABSTRACT: Objective: To analyze the spatiotemporal distribution of the burden of occupational cancer in Brazil and federative units between 1990 and 2019. Methods: Data were extracted from the Global Burden of Disease (GBD) study. Deaths from cancer whose attributable risk factor was occupational carcinogens were considered. Spatial analysis was performed with the first and last years of the series (1990 and 2019). Age-adjusted mortality rates were used to estimate the global Moran's Index (Moran's I), and the local indicator of spatial association (LISA) to identify clusters in the country with the respective statistical significance. The occupational cancer mortality rate, adjusted for age, was analyzed based on its trend for Brazil and federative units, in the period between 1990 and 2019. Results: Between 1990 and 2019, occupational cancer mortality rate showed a decreasing trend (R2=0.62; p<0.001) as well as the burden of disease indicator — DALY (R2=0.84; p<0.001). However, mortality is increasing in most states, suggesting that a minority of federative units induce the country's global trend. There is also the development of a spatial pattern of autocorrelation, indicating clusters of states with low mortality and DALY rates in the Northeast and high values in the South of the country. Conclusion: The overall decreasing trend in the trend of occupational cancer masks the heterogeneity across states. This scenario may be associated with the diversity of economic activities, and suggests a decentralized and equitable plan for occupational cancer surveillance.

RESUMO: Objetivo: Analisar a carga de câncer relacionado ao trabalho no Brasil e unidades da federação, entre 1990 e 2019. Métodos: Extraímos os dados do estudo Carga Global de Doenças (GBD). Consideramos as mortes por câncer cujo fator de risco atribuível fossem agentes ocupacionais carcinogênicos. A análise espacial foi realizada com o primeiro e último anos da série (1990 e 2019). As taxas de mortalidade ajustadas por idade foram utilizadas para calcular o índice de Moran global (I de Moran) e o indicador local de associação espacial (LISA). A taxa de mortalidade por câncer relacionado ao trabalho, ajustada por idade, foi analisada com base em sua tendência, para Brasil e unidades da federação, no período entre 1990 e 2019. Resultados: No período citado, a taxa de mortalidade por câncer relacionado ao trabalho exibiu tendência de decréscimo (R2=0,62; p<0,001), assim como o indicador de carga de doença — DALY (R2=0,84; p<0,001). Contudo, a mortalidade é crescente na maioria dos estados, o que sugere que uma minoria de unidades induz a tendência global do país. Há ainda formação de um padrão espacial de autocorrelação, indicando agrupamentos de estados com baixas taxas de mortalidade e DALY no Nordeste e valores altos no Sul do país. Conclusão: A tendência global de decréscimo na tendência do câncer relacionado ao trabalho mascara a heterogeneidade entre estados. Esse cenário pode estar associado à diversidade de atividades econômicas e sugere um plano descentralizado e equitativo da vigilância do câncer relacionado ao trabalho.

Carcinogenic drug exposure among health-sector workers: the need for exposure assessment and surveillance / Exposición a medicamentos cancerígenos en trabajadores del sector de la salud: necesidad de evaluación y vigilancia de la exposición / Exposição a fármacos carcinogênicos entre profissionais de saúde: necessidade de avaliação e vigilância da exposição

ABSTRACT Antineoplastic drugs (ANDs) used for chemotherapy can cause secondary cancers in treated patients and can pose carcinogenic risks to health-sector workers anywhere along these drugs' life cycle in a facility, from production to patient administration. Several PAHO/WHO Collaborating Centers (CCs) have experience addressing these hazards in the health sector. The objectives of this report are four-fold: 1) Provide an overview of longstanding research and prevention efforts, led by PAHO/WHO and its Occupational Health CCs, aimed at reducing the burden of occupational cancer in the Americas; 2) Discuss how robust AND exposure assessment and educational/outreach work by PAHO CCs can form the basis of exposure mitigation efforts among health-sector workers; 3) Through the presentation of original AND exposure assessment data from a pharmaceutical compounding facility in Chile, highlight relatively inexpensive methods by which such data can be generated; and 4) Discuss how effective, periodic environmental surveillance in healthcare facilities results in the identification of AND contamination in the work environment and enables the implementation of low-cost, high-impact interventions to reduce the risk of occupational cancer in health-sector workers, including in limited-resource settings. The risk of health-sector worker exposure to ANDs and other hazardous drugs is an important issue for inclusion within PAHO/WHO's broader efforts at reducing the impact of occupational cancer in the Americas. This report demonstrates that a wide range of accessible AND-exposure mitigation strategies are feasible at both a facility and a national policy level across the hemisphere.

RESUMEN Los medicamentos antineoplásicos empleados en quimioterapia pueden causar distintos tipos de tumores secundarios en pacientes tratados y presentar riesgos cancerígenos para los trabajadores del sector de la salud en cualquier momento del ciclo de vida de estos medicamentos en las instalaciones, desde su producción hasta su administración al paciente. Varios centros colaboradores de la OPS/OMS tienen experiencia en cuanto a cómo abordar estos peligros en el sector de la salud. Este informe persigue cuatro objetivos: 1) ofrecer una visión general de la labor de investigación y prevención de larga data, liderada por la OPS/OMS y sus centros colaboradores de salud ocupacional, encaminada a reducir la carga del cáncer ocupacional en la Región de las Américas; 2) abordar cómo una evaluación sólida de la exposición a los medicamentos antineoplásicos y la labor educativa y divulgativa de los centros colaboradores de la OPS pueden sentar las bases de los esfuerzos de mitigación de la exposición en los trabajadores del sector de la salud; 3) mediante la presentación de datos originales sobre la evaluación de la exposición a los medicamentos antineoplásicos en una instalación de compuestos farmacéuticos en Chile, destacar métodos relativamente asequibles gracias a los cuales se pueden recopilar dichos datos; y 4) examinar cómo la vigilancia ambiental efectiva y periódica en los centros de salud permite detectar casos de contaminación de medicamentos antineoplásicos en el entorno de trabajo y facilita la ejecución de intervenciones de bajo costo y alto impacto para reducir el riesgo de cáncer ocupacional en los trabajadores del sector de la salud, incluso en entornos de recursos limitados. El riesgo de exposición de los trabajadores del sector de la salud a los medicamentos antineoplásicos y otros medicamentos peligrosos es una cuestión importante para su inclusión en los esfuerzos más amplios de la OPS/OMS para reducir los efectos del cáncer ocupacional en la Región de las Américas. En este informe se demuestra que una amplia gama de estrategias accesibles de mitigación de la exposición a los medicamentos antineoplásicos es factible tanto a nivel de las instalaciones como de las políticas nacionales en toda la Región.

RESUMO Os medicamentos antineoplásicos usados para quimioterapia podem causar cânceres secundários em pacientes tratados e apresentar riscos carcinogênicos aos profissionais de saúde em qualquer momento do ciclo de vida desses fármacos dentro de um estabelecimento, desde sua produção até a administração ao paciente. Vários centros colaboradores da OPAS/OMS têm experiência em lidar com esses riscos no setor de saúde. Este relatório tem quatro objetivos: 1) fornecer uma visão geral dos esforços de longa data em pesquisa e prevenção liderados pela OPAS/OMS e por seus centros colaboradores de saúde ocupacional, cuja meta é reduzir a carga do câncer ocupacional nas Américas; 2) discutir como uma avaliação robusta da exposição aos antineoplásicos e o trabalho de extensão/educacional dos centros colaboradores da OPAS/OMS podem embasar os esforços de mitigação da exposição entre os profissionais de saúde; 3) por meio da apresentação de dados originais de avaliação da exposição a antineoplásicos obtidos de uma central de manipulação de medicamentos no Chile, destacar métodos relativamente econômicos para gerar esse tipo de dados; e 4) discutir como a vigilância ambiental eficaz e periódica em estabelecimentos de saúde resulta na identificação de contaminação por antineoplásicos no ambiente de trabalho e permite a implementação de intervenções de baixo custo e alto impacto para reduzir o risco de câncer ocupacional em profissionais de saúde, inclusive em contextos de recursos limitados. O risco de exposição dos profissionais de saúde aos medicamentos antineoplásicos e outros fármacos perigosos é uma questão importante a ser incluída nos esforços mais amplos da OPAS/OMS de reduzir o impacto do câncer ocupacional nas Américas. Este relatório demonstra a viabilidade de uma ampla gama de estratégias acessíveis de mitigação da exposição aos antineoplásicos, tanto no nível das instituições quanto no âmbito de políticas nacionais em todo o hemisfério.

Exposição ocupacional e câncer: uma revisão guarda-chuva / Occupational exposure and cancer: an umbrella review

Resumo Objetivo: fornecer uma visão geral das associações entre exposição ocupacional e risco da ocorrência ou morte por câncer. Métodos: esta revisão guarda-chuva da literatura utilizou as bases Medline e Web of Science. A partir de protocolo de busca, foram incluídas metanálises para diversas circunstâncias ocupacionais e cânceres selecionados que possuíssem algum nível de evidência para associação com ocupação. Resultados: foram incluídas 37 metanálises, abrangendo 18 localizações de câncer. Considerando a avaliação da heterogeneidade dos estudos, da qualidade da evidência e da força de associação, obteve-se evidências altamente sugestivas de associações entre exposição a solvente e mieloma múltiplo; amianto e câncer de pulmão; hidrocarbonetos e câncer de trato aerodigestivo superior; e estresse ocupacional e câncer colorretal. Conclusão: há evidências robustas para associar exposições ocupacionais e tipos de câncer não previstos, inicialmente, nas orientações de vigilância do câncer relacionado ao trabalho no Brasil. Permanecem lacunas sobre exposições de grande relevância, que carecem de metanálises mais consistentes, por exemplo, exposição a poeiras inorgânicas e câncer de pulmão e mesotelioma; exposição a solventes e tumores hematológicos. Evidências de câncer em outras regiões anatômicas foram menos robustas, apresentando indícios de incerteza ou viés.

Abstract Objective: to provide an overview of the associations between occupational exposure and risk of occurrence or death from cancer. Methods: this umbrella review used the Medline and Web of Science databases. Based on the search protocol, meta-analysis was included for several occupational circumstances and selected cancers that had some level of evidence associated with the occupation. Results: 37 meta-analysis were included, covering 18 cancer locations. By assessing the heterogeneity of studies, quality of evidence, and strength of association, results highly indicated associations between solvent exposure and multiple myeloma, asbestos and lung cancer, hydrocarbons and upper aerodigestive tract cancer, occupational stress and colorectal cancer. Conclusion: robust evidence shows an association between occupational exposures and types of cancer not initially foreseen in the guidelines for work-related cancer surveillance in Brazil. Gaps in relevant exposures require further research and more consistent meta-analysis, including: exposure to inorganic dust and lung cancer and mesothelioma; solvents and hematological tumors. Evidence of cancer in other anatomical regions was less robust, showing signs of uncertainty or bias.

Carcinógenos ocupacionales relevantes en Colombia, listado actualizado (2020) / Relevant occupational carcinogens in Colombia, 2020 updated list

RESUMEN Objetivo Actualizar la lista de carcinógenos ocupacionales relevantes para el contexto colombiano. Materiales y Métodos Se elaboró un listado único para el contexto colombiano a partir del Manual de Agentes Carcinógenos de los Grupos 1 y 2A de la IARC, de interés ocupacional para Colombia (2006) y del documento CAREX-2012 del Instituto Nacional de Cancerología. Estos documentos se compararon con los listados de carcinógenos ocupacionales relevantes a nivel internacional a partir de una revisión de literatura con las palabras "occupational carcinogens", "exposure" y"neoplasm". A su vez, estas publicaciones se cotejaron con la información disponible en el Programa de monografías en línea de la Agencia Internacional para la Investigación del Cáncer (IARC), hasta la monografía número 123. Resultados Se proponen 52 carcinógenos ocupacionales relevantes, 25 químicos, cuatro físicos, cuatro biológicos, ocho mezclas y once circunstancias de exposición. Conclusiones La actualización incluyó agentes físicos: radiación ultravioleta de la soldadura y Radón-222 y sus productos en descomposición (emisores de alfa partículas); mezclas: polvo de cuero, polvo de madera y aceite de esquisto; y circunstancias de exposición: humos de soldadura y contaminación del aire exterior y material particulado en aire contaminado exterior.

ABSTRACT Objective Update of relevant occupational carcinogens list in the Colombian context. Materials and Methods A unique list was prepared for the Colombian context from the Manual of Carcinogens of Groups 1 and 2A of the IARC, of occupational interest for Colombia, 2006 and the document CAREX-2012 of the National Cancer Institute. These documents were compared with lists of internationally relevant occupational carcinogens based on a literature review with words "occupational carcinogens", "exposure", and "neoplasm". Additionally, these publications were compared with the information available in the Online Monograph Program of the International Agency for Research on Cancer-IARC, up to monograph number 123. Results 52 relevant occupational carcinogens, 25 chemical, four physical, four biological, eight mixtures and eleven exposure circumstances are proposed. Conclusions the update included physical agents: ultraviolet radiation from welding and Radon-222 and their decomposition products (emitters of alpha particles); mixtures: leather dust, wood dust and shale oil; and exposure circumstances: fumes from welding and outside air pollution and particulate matter in outside polluted air.

Costos del cáncer ocupacional: una scoping review / Costs of occupational cancer: a scoping review

RESUMEN Introducción: la carga debida al cáncer es alta, y además de su impacto en la salud de las personas tiene efectos económicos. Objetivo: identificar los costos asociados al cáncer como resultado de la exposición ocupacional. Métodos: se realizó una scoping review. Para esta se hizo una búsqueda sistemática de acuerdo con la pregunta PECO en las siguientes bases de datos indexadas: Scopus, Web of Science, Embase, Science Direct, Academic Search Complete (EBSCO), BVS y PubMed. Como criterios de elegibilidad de los escritos estaba que se tratara sobre cáncer de origen ocupacional y que mencionara los costos; se seleccionaron 19 artículos. Resultados: entre los estudios se identificaron los países donde se han hecho investigaciones al respecto, el tipo de estudio, los tipos de cáncer, sus costos y métodos de estimación. En cuanto a los costos, se encontraron principalmente trabajos centrados en los costos directos, es decir, los que representan la atención en salud, dejando de lado el análisis de los que son indirectos, es decir los que están relacionados con la pérdida de la productividad. Conclusión: se concluye que se requiere de un abordaje interdisciplinario para el análisis de los costos, con el fin de mejorar la comprensión de estos y particularmente la de los indirectos.

SUMMARY Background: The burden of disease due to cancer is high and has an impact on people's health and economic cost. Objective: Identify the costs associated with occupational cancer. For this purpose, a scoping review was carried out. Methods: First, a systematic search was performed according to the PECO question, we used the following indexed databases: Scopus, Web of Science, Embase, Science Direct, Academic Search Complete (EBSCO), BVS and PubMed. The eligibility criteria were that the study focus in any type of occupational cancer and mention the cost related. After the selection and screening process, 19 articles were included. Results: The studies identified the countries where research has been carried out, the type of study, the types of cancer, the methods of cost estimations and types of cost. In relation with the costs, we mainly found articles focused on direct costs, that is, what health care represents; but there are few studies that included analysis of indirect costs that are related to lost productivity. Conclusion: It is concluded that an interdisciplinary approach to cost analysis is required to improve understanding of costs, particularly indirect costs.

Risco de câncer de pulmão com a história de trabalho e os hábitos de vida: caso-controle / Lung cancer risk with work history and lifestyle habits: case-control

Resumo: Estudo caso-controle, de base hospitalar, realizado em um hospital oncológico no estado do Paraná, com objetivo de avaliar o risco de câncer de pulmão associado à exposição ocupacional a substâncias cancerígenas, cuja hipótese foi estudar se o risco de câncer de pulmão é maior entre indivíduos expostos a essas substâncias quando comparado com indivíduos não expostos. Os dados foram obtidos por meio de entrevista e busca em prontuários físico e eletrônicos, entre janeiro e outubro de 2019. Participaram 99 casos e 227 controles. As variáveis utilizadas para avaliar o risco ocupacional foram ramo de atividade econômica e ocupação, padronizadas por códigos de classificações internacionais. Os códigos foram descritos em ocupações referidas pela Agência Internacional de Pesquisa em Câncer como, reconhecidas ou suspeitas, por acarretarem risco carcinogênico pulmonar, e analisados conforme ferramenta padrão de análise de câncer de pulmão ocupacional. A história ocupacional foi cruzada em uma matriz de exposição ocupacional específica para seis agentes cancerígenos pulmonares, denominada DOM-JEM. Não foi possível pareamento dos controles por sexo e idade. A análise comparativa das variáveis utilizou testes Mann-Whitney e Qui-quadrado. O risco de câncer pulmonar foi estimado pelo Odds ratio e intervalo de confiança de 95%, através da regressão logística condicional. Os modelos foram ajustados por idade, escolaridade, município e tabagismo. As análises ocorreram separadamente por sexo. Tabagismo foi tratado como variável de confusão. Os resultados mostraram risco aumentado de câncer de pulmão para mulheres de serviços agrícolas (OR= 12,9; IC: 3,3-50,9) e das ocupações de: trabalhadoras agrícolas de árvores e arbustos, principalmente, coletoras de café e algodão (OR=3,9; IC: 1,0-15,7); garçonetes (OR= 5,0; IC: 1,0-23,6); e caixas (OR= 10,9; IC: 1,4-79,8). Nos homens, evidências apontaram risco aumentado na fabricação de móveis e acessórios (OR= 27,7; IC: 1,1-677,4) e nas ocupações de: trabalhadores do tratamento de madeira e fabricação de papel/celulose (OR=9,3; IC: 1,0-83,4); e pintores (OR= 14,3; IC: 1,7-116,5). Entre as ocupações reconhecidas por risco carcinogênico pulmonar, apenas a de pintor apresentou risco associado. Não se obteve resultados significativos nas ocupações suspeitas de risco carcinogênico. Entre as mulheres, a exposição concomitante ao cromo e níquel em níveis baixos apontou risco aumentado (OR= 24,8; IC: 1,1-398,7) na matriz de exposição ocupacional. A exposição aos hidrocarbonetos policíclicos aromáticos, asbestos e sílica apresentaram riscos aumentados sem associação. Nos homens, não houve associação na matriz. Comprovou-se que a ocupação de pintor esteve associada ao desenvolvimento do câncer nos homens. A exposição aos compostos de cromo-níquel apresentou evidência limitada entre as mulheres. O fato de o trabalho agrícola na coleta de café e algodão representar risco de câncer de pulmão entre as mulheres é pouco estudado e discutido na literatura nacional. O caráter inovador está relacionado à realização de estudos caso-controle para associação entre câncer pulmonar e exposição a agentes químicos. Demonstra-se a necessidade de instrumentalização dos serviços de saúde para que possam identificar as causas do adoecimento do trabalhador relacionado aos agentes químicos, para fins de prevenção e redução dos adoecimentos e dos custos em saúde que oneram a sociedade, o trabalhador e sua família.

Abstract: Hospital-based case-control study conducted at a oncology hospital in the state of Paraná, with objective of assessing the risk of lung cancer associated with occupational exposure to carcinogens, whose hypothesis was to study whether the risk of lung cancer is higher among individuals exposed to these substances when compared to unexposed individuals. Data was obtained through interviews and searches in physical and electronic medical records, between January and October 2019. 99 cases and 227 controls participated. The variables used to assess occupational risk were economic activity and occupation, standardized by international classification codes. The codes were later described into occupations recognized by the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC): carcinogenic risk to the lung, or suspected carcinogenic risk to the lung, according to the standard tool for the analysis of occupational lung cancer in epidemiological studies. Occupational history was crossed with a specific occupational exposure matrix for six lung carcinogens, called DOM-JEM. It was not possible to match the controls by sex and age. The comparative analysis of the variables used the Mann-Whitney and Chi-square tests. The risk of lung cancer was estimated by the Odds ratio and 95% confidence interval, through conditional logistic regression. The models were adjusted for age, education, municipality, and smoking. The analysis was conducted separately by sex. Smoking was treated as a confounding variable. The results showed an increased lung cancer risk for females of agricultural services (OR= 12,9; IC: 3,3-50,9), and in the occupations of agricultural workers of trees and shrubs, mainly coffee and cotton collectors (OR=3,9; IC: 1,0-15,7); waitresses (OR= 5,0; IC: 1,0-23,6); cashiers (OR= 10,9; IC: 1,4-79,8). Among men, evidence pointed to an increased risk in the economic areas of furniture and accessories manufacturing (OR= 27,7; IC: 1,1-677,4); workers in wood treatment and paper or cellulose manufacturing (OR=9,3; IC: 1,0-83,4); and painters (OR = 14.3; CI 1.7-116.5). Among the occupations recognized by pulmonary carcinogenic risk, only that of the painter had an associated risk. No significant results were obtained in occupations suspected of presenting carcinogenic risk. Among women, concomitant exposure to chromium and nickel at low levels pointed an increased risk (OR= 24,8; IC: 1,1-398,7) in the occupational exposure matrix. Exposure to polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons, asbestos and silica presented increased risks without association. In men, there was no association in the matrix. It becomes proven that the occupation of painter was associated with the development of cancer in men. Exposure to chromium-nickel compounds presented limited evidence among women. The fact that agricultural work in the collection of coffee and cotton represents a risk of lung cancer among women is little studied and discussed in national literature. The innovative character is related to the conduct of case-control studies for the association between lung cancer and exposure to chemical agents. It demonstrates the need to instrumental health services so that they can identify the causes of the illness of the worker related to chemical agents, for the purposes of prevention and reduction of illnesses and health costs that burden society, the worker and your family.

Estabelecimento de agentes e atividades ocupacionais carcinogênicas prioritárias para a vigilância em saúde no Brasil / High-priority carcinogenic occupational agents and activities for health surveillance in Brazil

Os objetivos do artigo são apresentar uma lista de agentes carcinogênicos selecionados como prioritários para as ações de saúde do trabalhador no Brasil e descrever seu processo de validação. Foi realizada revisão bibliográfica sobre o tema, com o levantamento dos principais agentes carcinogênicos utilizados nas atividades ocupacionais no Brasil, a classificação de carcinogenicidade segundo a Agência Internacional de Pesquisa em Câncer (IARC) e respectivos tipos de câncer, considerando o contexto brasileiro, com validação e revisão final por especialistas. A lista final inclui agentes carcinogênicos, estabelecidos ou prováveis, presentes nos processos produtivos de algumas atividades econômicas no Brasil e fornece orientação para futuros estudos da carga do câncer por atividades econômicas.

The aims of the present study were to assemble a list of carcinogens considered as having high priority for occupational health actions in Brazil and to describe the process followed to validate it. Through a literature review we retrieved the main carcinogens used in production activities in Brazil, the carcinogenicity classification developed by the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) and corresponding types of cancer relevant within the Brazilian context. The list thus assembled was reviewed and validated by an expert panel. It includes known and suspected carcinogens found in the production process of some industries in Brazil, and might serve as orientation for future studies on the burden of occupational cancer

Probability of causation for occupational cancer after exposure to ionizing radiation

BACKGROUND: Probability of causation (PC) is a reasonable way to estimate causal relationships in radiation-related cancer. This study reviewed the international trend, usage, and critiques of the PC method. Because it has been used in Korea, it is important to check the present status and estimation of PC in radiation-related cancers in Korea. METHODS: Research articles and official reports regarding PC of radiation-related cancer and published from the 1980s onwards were reviewed, including studies used for the revision of the Korean PC program. PC has been calculated for compensation-related cases in Korea since 2005. RESULTS: The United States National Institutes of Health first estimated the PC in 1985. Among the 106 occupational diseases listed in the International Labor Organization Recommendation 194 (International Labor Office (ILO), ILO List of Occupational Diseases, 2010), PC is available only for occupational cancer after ionizing radiation exposure. The United States and United Kingdom use PC as specific criteria for decisions on the compensability of workers’ radiation-related health effects. In Korea, PC was developed firstly as Korean Radiation Risk and Assigned Share (KORRAS) in 1999. In 2015, the Occupational Safety and Health Research Institute and Radiation Health Research Institute jointly developed a more revised PC program, Occupational Safety and Health-PC (OSH-PC). Between 2005 and 2015, PC was applied in 16 claims of workers’ compensation for radiation-related cancers. In most of the cases, compensation was given when the PC was more than 50%. However, in one case, lower than 50% PC was accepted considering the possibility of underestimation of the cumulative exposure dose. CONCLUSIONS: PC is one of the most advanced tools for estimating the causation of occupational cancer. PC has been adjusted for baseline cancer incidence in Korean workers, and for uncertainties using a statistical method. Because the fundamental reason for under- or over-estimation is probably inaccurate dose reconstruction, a proper guideline is necessary.

Radiation-related occupational cancer and its recognition criteria in South Korea

Ionizing radiation is a well-known carcinogen, and is listed as one carcinogenic agent of occupational cancer. Given the increase in the number of workers exposed to radiation, as well as the increase in concern regarding occupational cancer, the number of radiation-related occupational cancer claims is expected to increase. Unlike exposure assessment of other carcinogenic agents in the workplace, such as asbestos and benzene, radiation exposure is usually assessed on an individual basis with personal dosimeters, which makes it feasible to assess whether a worker's cancer occurrence is associated with their individual exposure. However, given the absence of a threshold dose for cancer initiation, it remains difficult to identify radiation exposure as the root cause of occupational cancer. Moreover, the association between cancer and radiation exposure in the workplace has not been clearly established due to a lack of scientific evidence. Therefore, criteria for the recognition of radiation-related occupational cancer should be carefully reviewed and updated with new scientific evidence and social consensus. The current criteria in Korea are valid in terms of eligible radiogenic cancer sites, adequate latent period, assessment of radiation exposure, and probability of causation. However, reducing uncertainty with respect to the determination of causation between exposure and cancer and developing more specific criteria that considers mixed exposure to radiation and other carcinogenic agents remains an important open question.

Occupational cancer claims in Korea from 2010 to 2016

BACKGROUND: Research on carcinogens causing occupational cancer has been updated. Further, social interest in occupational cancer has increased. In addition, the standard for recognizing cancer as a work-related disease has also been revised. The present study aims to describe the distribution of occupational cancer claims or its approval rate and their association with work-related variables. METHODS: We analyzed 1299 claim cases for occupational cancer from 2010 to 2016 provided by the Korea Workers’ Compensation and Welfare Service (KCOMWEL). The status of approval rate was shown by year, sex, industry, occupation, age of diagnosis, duration from employment to diagnosis, and cancer site. RESULTS: The approval rate was 39.0% from 2010 to 2016 and tended to increase annually since 2011. Both the number of claims and the approval rate were higher in men. Mining and quarrying showed the highest approval rate (78.4%). The approval rates by age of diagnosis and duration from employment to diagnosis increased as the time periods increased. Respiratory organ had the highest number of claims and the highest approval rate by cancer site. CONCLUSIONS: The approval rate of occupational cancer has shown an increasing trend since 2011. The increase of occupational carcinogens and cancer sites and the improvement of social awareness about occupational cancer could have resulted in this trend. The present study provides unique, and the latest and most accurate findings on occupational cancer data of recent 7 years that could be helpful to researchers or policy makers on occupational cancer.

Prevalence and factors associated with exposure to sunlight and sunscreen among physical education teachers in Pelotas, southern Brazil

Abstract: Background: Decreasing the time of exposure to the sun and increasing sunscreen use are important actions to prevent skin cancer. Objective: This study aimed to verify the prevalence of exposure to the sun and the use of sunscreen, as well as associated factors among physical education teachers of the basic education network from city of Pelotas, southern Brazil. Methods: A census type study was conducted with physical education teachers of the basic education network from Pelotas. This study assessed the time of exposure to the sun in the workplace for at least 20 min, between 10am and 4pm, and the use of sunscreen during the workday. Results: 188 teachers answered the questionnaire. The prevalence of exposure to the sun between 10:00am and 4:00pm was 89.2% (95% CI of 83.8% -93.3%), while sunscreen use was 63.3% (95% CI of 56.0% -70.2%). However, when the sample was stratified by sex, women reported a higher rate of sunscreen use (78.5% -95% CI of 72.2-84.3) than men (38.9% -95% CI of 31.8-46.2) (p<0.001). Teachers with longer work weeks were at greater risk of exposure to the sun. In addition, women, with normal weight and who worked less hours, were more likely to use sunscreen. Study limitations: Cross-sectional study and lack of information on the proper use and frequency of use of sunscreen. Conclusion: Physical education teachers were highly exposed to solar radiation, and less than two-thirds used sunscreen during the workday. Interventions with this professional group are necessary to reduce the risk of skin cancer.

Estudo retrospectivo dos registros de mesotelioma maligno no período de 1995 a 2015 / Retrospective study of malignant mesothelioma records from 1995 to 2015

RESUMO : O objetivo deste estudo foi analisar os casos registrados de mesotelioma maligno em um hospital oncológico do Paraná no período de 1995 a 2015. Foram analisados 142 prontuários do Registro Hospitalar de Câncer de um Centro de Alta Complexidade em Oncologia de Curitiba, Paraná, registrados com os códigos topográficos C38 e C48. A coleta de dados ocorreu na instituição entre agosto de 2016 e julho de 2017, com a utilização de instrumento elaborado para a pesquisa. Para a manipulação dos dados e análises estatísticas utilizou-se o software Stata 14®. Foram identificados 16 casos de mesotelioma maligno, com 11 casos pleurais e cinco casos peritoneais. Foi observada maior prevalência em homens brancos, casados, com mais de 50 anos de idade, procedentes de Curitiba e com segundo grau de escolaridade. As ocupações relatadas na admissão foram variadas, com relato de exposição ocupacional ao amianto de apenas um paciente. Não foi possível estabelecer o perfil ocupacional devido à ausência de informações complementares. Em sete Declarações de Óbito as causas básicas dos óbitos eram diferentes dos diagnósticos registrados nas evoluções. Os principais sintomas relatados na busca por atendimento foram emagrecimento, dispneia e dor. Em 68,8% dos casos o tumor apresentava estádio IV, o que denota busca tardia por assistência. O tratamento utilizado foi paliativo multimodal, sendo a quimioterapia o tratamento de eleição em 68,8%. A Sensibilidade dos registros da doença foi de 81%, uma vez que três casos foram notificados com topografias inadequadas. A Especificidade foi de 97%. Divergências encontradas entre alguns diagnósticos estabelecidos em prontuários e os repassados ao Sistema de Informação de Mortalidade e Registro Hospitalar de Câncer apontam para a possibilidade de subnotificação e a necessidade de treinamentos sobre completude de registros e o uso de códigos de classificação de doenças.

Abstract: The objective of this study was to describe the reported cases of Malignant Mesothelioma at a cancer hospital in Paraná between 1995 and 2015. A total of 142 medical records of a Hospital Registry of Cancer of the Center of High Complexity in Oncology in Curitiba. Were analyzed, in which 142 were registered with the topographic codes C38 and C48. Data collection took place between August 2016 and July 2017, with the use of an instrument developed by the researcher. For the manipulation of the data and statistical analysis was used the software Stata 14®. Sixteen cases of Malignant Mesothelioma were identified, with 11 pleural cases and five peritoneal cases. It was observed a higher prevalence in white men, married, over 50 years old, coming from Curitiba and with a second degree of education. The occupations reported on admission were varied, with reports of occupational exposure to asbestos from only one patient. It was not possible to establish the occupational profile due to the lack of complementary information. In seven death certificates the basic causes of death were different from the diagnoses recorded in the evolutions. The main symptoms reported in the search of care were weight loss, dyspnea and pain. In 68.8% of the cases the tumor presented stage IV, denoting a late search by the patient for assistance. The treatment used was multimodal palliative, with chemotherapy being the treatment of choice in 68.8%. The sensitivity of the disease records was 81%, since three cases were reported with inadequate topographies. Specificity was 97%. Divergences were found between some diagnoses established in medical records and those passed on to the Mortality Information System and Cancer Hospital Registry pointed to the possibility of underreporting and the need for training on completeness of registries and use of disease classification codes.

RESUMEN: El objetivo de este estudio fue describir los casos registrados de mesotelioma maligno en un hospital oncológico del Paraná entre 1995 y 2015. Se analizaron 142 historias clínicas de un Registro Hospitalar de Cáncer de un Centro de Alta Complejidad en Oncología de Curitiba, que fueron registrados con los códigos topográficos C38 y C48. La colecta de datos se realizó entre agosto de 2016 y julio de 2017, con utilización de instrumento elaborado por la investigadora. Para la manipulación de los datos y el análisis estadístico se utilizó el software Stata 14®. Se identificaron 16 casos de mesotelioma maligno,11 casos pleurales y cinco peritoneales. Se observó mayor prevalencia en hombres blancos, casados, de más de 50 años de edad, procedentes de Curitiba, con escolaridad correspondiente a la enseñanza secundaria. Las ocupaciones relatadas en la admisión fueron variadas, solamente un paciente relató exposición ocupacional al amianto. No fue posible establecer el perfil ocupacional debido a la ausencia de informaciones complementarias. En siete Declaraciones de Óbito las causas básicas de estos óbitos eran diferentes de los diagnósticos registrados en las evoluciones. Los principales síntomas relatados al buscar atendimiento fueron adelgazamiento, dispneia y dolor. En 68,8% de los casos el tumor presenta estadio IV, lo que denota búsqueda de asistencia tardía. El tratamiento utilizado fue paliativo multimodal, siendo la quimioterapia el tratamiento elegido en 68,8% de los casos. La Sensibilidad de los registros de la enfermedad fue de 81%, ya que tres casos fueron notificados con topografías inadecuadas. La Especificidad fue de 97%. Divergencias encontradas entre algunos diagnósticos establecidos en historias clínicas y los enviados al Sistema de Información de Mortalidad y Registro Hospitalar de Cáncer indican posible subnotificación y necesidad de capacitación sobre completitud de registros y uso de códigos de clasificación de enfermedades.

Análise da qualidade de um registro de base populacional ao notificar casos de câncer potencialmente relacionados ao amianto / Analysis of the quality of a Population-Based Registry in reporting cases of cancer potentially related to asbestos

Esta pesquisa teve como objetivos analisar se os casos de câncer potencialmente relacionados ao amianto estão de acordo com o diagnóstico apresentado no Registro de Câncer de Base Populacional e verificar a sensibilidade e especificidade dos dados e relacionados às notificações e declarações de óbito. Trata-se de um estudo descritivo, retrospectivo e transversal, realizado em um registro de câncer de base populacional e em 11 fontes notificadoras, compreendendo hospitais, clínicas de anatomia patológica, unidade básica de saúde e no sistema de informação de mortalidade na cidade de Curitiba, Paraná. A amostra foi composta por 270 notificações de pacientes adultos com câncer de topografia C38 e C48. A coleta de dados foi referente às notificações de diagnóstico de câncer do período de janeiro de 1998 a dezembro de 2012. Para as análises estatísticas foi utilizado o software Stata 14®. Os resultados evidenciaram que, entre os cânceres estudados, 40,3% eram de peritônio e retroperitônio, 24,5% de mediastino e 11,5% de pleura e mesotelioma maligno. A média de idade dos pacientes com câncer de pleura e mesotelioma maligno foi de 66,3 anos, sete (70%) eram do sexo masculino, nove (90%) não possuíam registro sobre ocupação no prontuário e o tempo médio entre a data do diagnóstico e o óbito foi de 11,6 meses. Quanto à sensibilidade do registro com a notificação de câncer de pleura e mesotelioma maligno, esta foi de 100% e 50%, respectivamente. Em relação à especificidade, o registro apresentou 90% de concordância das notificações. Referente às notificações dos meios diagnósticos, os dados frequentes foram: histologia de tumor primário com 71,9% (n=194) e por declarações de óbito com 20,4% (n=55). Esses resultados expressam que não houve subnotificação para casos de mesotelioma maligno. Contudo, uma alta sobre a estimativa foi observada nas notificações de cânceres de pleura, decorrente da codificação equívoca da descrição da doença por parte do registro. Os resultados da pesquisa foram parcialmente de boa qualidade.

Esta investigación tuvo como objetivos, analizar si los casos de cáncer potencialmente relacionados con el amianto están de acuerdo con el diagnóstico presentado en el Registro de Cáncer de Base Poblacional, verificar la sensibilidad y especificidad de los datos y relacionarlos con las notificaciones y declaraciones de óbito. Se trata de un estudio descriptivo, retrospectivo y transversal, realizado en un registro de cáncer de base poblacional, con 11 fuentes de notificación que abarca hospitales, clínicas de anatomía patológica, unidad básica de salud y el sistema de información de mortalidad en la ciudad de Curitiba, Paraná. La muestra estuvo conformada por 270 notificaciones de pacientes adultos con cáncer de topografía C38 y C48. La recopilación de datos se refiere a las notificaciones de diagnóstico de cáncer durante el período comprendido entre enero de 1998 y diciembre de 2012. Para los análisis estadísticos se utilizó el software Stata 14®. Los resultados evidenciaron que entre los cánceres estudiados, 40,3% eran de peritoneo y retroperitoneo, 24,5% de mediastino y 11,5% de pleura y mesotelioma maligno. El promedio de edad de los pacientes con cáncer de pleura y mesotelioma maligno fue de 66,3 años, siete (70%) eran del sexo masculino, nueve (90%) no tenían registro sobre ocupación en la historia clínica. El tiempo promedio entre la fecha del diagnóstico y el óbito fue 11,6 meses. Con relación a la sensibilidad del registro con la notificación de cáncer de pleura y mesotelioma maligno, esta fue de 100% y 50% respectivamente. Con relación a la especificidad, el registro presentó 90% de concordancia de las notificaciones. En lo referente a las notificaciones de los medios diagnósticos, los datos frecuentes fueron: histología de tumor primario con 71,9% (n=194) y por declaraciones de óbito con 20,4% (n=55). Esos resultados expresan que no hubo subnotificación para casos de mesotelioma maligno. Sin embargo, se observó una alta sobrevaloración en las notificaciones de cánceres de pleura, resultante de la codificación equívoca de la descripción de la enfermedad por parte del registro. Los resultados de la investigación fueron parcialmente de buena calidad.

This research had as its objectives to analyze if the cancer cases are potentially related to asbestos according to the presented diagnosis by the registry of Cancer and Population Bases, and to verify the sensitivity and specificity of the data related to the notifications and statements of death. This is a descriptive, retrospective, and crosssectional study carried out in a population-based cancer registry and in 11 notifying sources such as hospitals, clinics of pathological anatomy, basic health units and in the mortality data system from the city of Curitiba located in the state of Paraná. The sample was composed by 270 notifications of adult patients with C38 and C48 topography cancer. The data collection had been done by searching for cases rated as cancer diagnosis reported from January 1998 to December 2012. Stata 14® software was used for the statistical analysis. The results clearly has shown that among the studied cases 40.3% were of peritoneum and retroperitoneum, 24.5% of mediastinum and 11, 5% of pleura and malignant mesothelioma. The average age of patients with pleural cancer and malignant mesothelioma was 66.3 years, seven (70%) were male, nine (90%) had no record of occupation on their medical records and the average time between the diagnostic and the death was 11.6 months. About the sensitivity from the registry with a notification of cancer of pleura and malignant mesothelioma, it was of 100% and 50% respectively. Regarding the specificity, the registry presented 90% an agreement of the notifications. Referring to the reports of the diagnostic ways, the frequent data has shown a histology of primary tumor with 71.9% (n = 194) and death declarations with 20.4% (n = 55). These results express that there was not underreporting for the cases of malignant mesothelioma. However, a high over estimate was noticed in reports of pleural cancers, as a result of the wrong coding of the disease description by the registry. The results of the survey were partially from good quality.

Contaminação química, precarização, adoecimento e morte no trabalho: benzeno no Brasil / Chemical contamination, precariousness, illness and death at work: benzene in Brazil

Resumo A toxicidade do benzeno é conhecida e os tipos de doenças a ele ligadas vêm se ampliando. Foi recuperada a trajetória e as descobertas relacionadas às doenças combinadas com o deslocamento das atividades dos países centrais para os periféricos. Neste processo há correlações na prevenção da exposição ao benzeno. No Brasil foram analisadas as aplicações das regulações para identificar seu impacto, pois as informações sobre contaminação ambiental e doenças é bastante precária. Prevaleceram legislações formais sem registro de sua aplicação. Somente quando houve mobilização de trabalhadores e técnicos ocorreram avanços.

Abstract The toxicity of benzene is widely known, and types of illnesses linked to it have been increasing. This article traces the historical trajectory and the findings related to the diseases, combined with the displacement of industrial activities from central countries to peripheral ones. In this process, there are correlations in prevention of benzene exposure. In Brazil, the application of regulations was analyzed to identify their impact because information on environmental contamination and diseases is very precarious. Formal legislation prevailed without records of its application. Only when workers and technicians mobilized did advances occur.

A importância da atuação do médico do trabalho na prevenção do câncer de pele ocupacional / The relevance of the occupational physician in the prevention of occupational skin cancer

Contexto: Este artigo apresenta uma revisão bibliográfica sobre o câncer de pele no meio ocupacional, a epidemiologia e os filtros solares para o médico do trabalho. Objetivo: Orientar o médico do trabalho sobre o assunto e melhorar as estratégias de prevenção do câncer de pele ocupacional. Métodos: Artigo retirado de monografia realizada após pesquisa bibliográfica em sites de artigos médicos e de órgãos relacionados à saúde e ao trabalho, utilizando artigos de 2009 a 2014 e publicações relevantes sobre o assunto. Conclusão: O médico do trabalho é fundamental na educação sobre a doença e suas diversas formas de prevenção, além da notificação dos casos relacionados ao trabalho.

Background: The present article presents a literature review on occupational skin cancer, its epidemiology and sunscreens of interest to occupational physicians. Aim: To provide a guide to occupational physicians on the subject of interest and improve the strategies for prevention of occupational skin cancer. Methods: The present article derives from an essay resulting from research in websites of medical articles and agencies related to healthcare and work; articles from 2009 to 2014 and relevant publications on the subject were analyzed. Conclusion: Occupational physicians are fundamental for education on occupational skin cancer and its various forms of prevention, in addition to the notification of cases.

A interferência do estresse no trabalhador de enfermagem no ambiente hospitalar e sua relaçãocomo fator de risco para a ocorrência de câncer / Interferencia de estrés en enfermería del trabajador en ambiente en el hospital y su relación comofactor de riesgo para la ocurrencia de cáncer / The interference of stress on worker nursing in hospital environment and its relation as a risk factor for the occurrence of cancer

to identify the interference of stress on the health of nursing workers at the hospital environment; describe the problems due to stress in these professionals and to evaluate the relationship of stress as a risk factor to the propensity of cancer in nursing workers' health at the hospital environment. Method: it is an exploratory descriptive research with a qualitative approach. It was approved by the Ethics and Research under CAAE number 05818412.4.0000.5243. Results: it was observed that nursing professionals of both sectors suffer various stressful situations in their working environment, overloading and stressing. Conclusion: there must be done many things to avoid these stressful situations for both the professional nursing and other professionals since the occupational stress can cause serious problems for the worker's health...

identificar as interferências do estresse na saúde do trabalhador de enfermagem do ambiente hospitalar; descrever os problemas relacionados ao estresse na saúde desse profissional e avaliar a relação do estresse como fator de risco para a propensão ao câncer na saúde do trabalhador de enfermagem do ambiente hospitalar. Método: pesquisa exploratório-descritiva, de abordagem qualitativa. Esta foi aprovada pelo Comitê de Ética e Pesquisa da Faculdade de Medicina da Universidade Federal Fluminense sob o CAAE nº 05818412.4.0000.5243. Resultados: observou-se que os profissionais de enfermagem dos setores pesquisados sofrem diversas situações de estresse no seu ambiente de trabalho. Conclusão: muito deve ser feito para evitar as situações estressantes, tanto para o profissional de enfermagem quanto para outros trabalhadores, uma vez que o estresse ocupacional pode ocasionar problemas graves para a sua saúde...

Objetivo: identificar la interferencia del estrés sobre la salud del trabajador de Enfermería en el ambiente hospitalario, describir los problemas relacionados con el estrés en la salud de estos profesionales en el ámbito hospitalario y evaluar la relación entre el estrés como un factor de riesgo para la propensión al cáncer en la salud de los trabajadores de enfermería en el entorno hospitalario. Método: investigación descriptiva exploratoria con enfoque cualitativo, Fue aprobado por el Comité de Ética en Investigación sobre CAAE número 05818412.4.0000.5243. Resultados: se observó que los profesionales de enfermería de ambos sectores sufren diversas situaciones estresantes en su ambiente de trabajo, sobrecargándolos y estresándolos. Conclusión: muchas cosas deben hacer para evitar estas situaciones de estrés, tanto para el profesional de enfermería como por otros profesionales, como el estrés laboral causando serios problemas para la salud del trabajador...

Compensation for Occupational Cancer

The legal scope and criteria for occupational cancer in Korea was out of date. The aim of this study was to review the current criteria for occupational cancer and amend the existent criteria on the basis of recent scientific evidence. The scientific evidence and the legal list of occupational cancer were analyzed to identify the causes of occupational cancer on a global scale. The relationship between compensated occupational cancer cases and carcinogen exposure in Korea was examined. The factors associated with specific causes and target cancers were determined to produce additional criteria. Five-hundred and nineteen cases of 2,468 were awarded compensation for occupational cancer including lung, malignant mesothelioma, lymphohematopoietic, and liver cancers from January 2000 to October 2012. Between 1996 and 2005, benzene accounted for 84.4% of cases, and between 1999 and 2005, asbestos was associated with 62.3% of cases. Fourteen novel causative agents and 12 additional target cancers were identified and the final guidelines were amended to include 23 causative agents and 21 target cancers. This amendment of the criteria for occupational cancer represents the widest change in Korean history and is expected to improve the understanding of occupational cancer by providing an up-to-date and accurate reference guide.

Worker's Compensation Claims and Approval Status for Occupational Cancers in Korea from 2000 to 2009 / 대한산업의학회지

OBJECTIVES: The purpose of this study is to analyze the characteristics of the occupational cancer claims compensated by the Industrial Accident Compensation Insurance that is operated by the Korea Workers' Compensation and Welfare Service (COMWEL). METHODS: Using the COMWEL electronic database, we collected 1,933 claims for occupational cancer based on the worker's compensation records in the COMWEL from 1 January 2000 to 31 December 2009. We analyzed the characteristics of the claims. RESULTS: The average number of claims per year for occupational cancer was 193 and the approval rate was 13.1% from 2000 to 2009. Men accounted for 93.7% of the approved cases and had a higher approval rate. Approval rates increased with age. Among claims for occupational cancer, the most common was digestive cancer. On the other hand, the highest approval rate was for mesothelioma claims, followed by respiratory cancer, lymphoid or hematopoietic cancer. By industry, claims were most common in manufacturing, but the approval rate was highest in mining and quarrying. By occupation, claims most commonly came from legislators, senior officials & managers, but the approval rate was highest for craft & related trades workers. The average of tenure period was 15.5 years for approved cases, but 10.3 years for non-approved cases, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: We analyzed the characteristics of the occupational cancer claims which were compensated for the last 10 years accrording to the approved results. For the purpose of long-term understanding and management of worker's compensation status for occupational cancer, we should gather accurate information of the carcinogenic factors involved in order to achieve the systematic improvement that is needed.

Occupational Lymphohematopoietic Cancer in Korea

The purpose of this study was to review the existing studies on lymphohematopoietic (LHP) cancer in Korea, estimate the prevalence of workers exposed to carcinogens, and determine the population attributable fraction (PAF) of leukemia. Two case series and 4 case reports were reviewed. Using official statistics, the prevalence of benzene exposure and ionizing radiation exposure was estimated. Based on the prevalence of exposure and the relative risk, The PAF of leukemia was calculated. Between 1996 and 2005, 51 cases of LHP cancer were reported from the compensation system. Greater than 50% of occupational LHP cancer was leukemia, and the most important cause was benzene. In a cohort study, the standardized incidence ratio was 2.71 (95% CI, 0.56-7.91). The prevalence of exposure was 2.5% and 2.2% in 1995 and 2000, respectively. Using the 1995 prevalence, 3.6-4.8% and 0.1% of cases with leukemia were attributable to benzene and ionizing radiation exposure, respectively, which resulted in 39.7-51.4 cases per year. Benzene is the most important cause of occupational leukemia in Korea. Considering the estimated PAF in this study, the annual number of occupational LHP cancer (51 cases during 10-yr period), might be underreported within the compensation system.