Cancer mortality and premature deaths among hairdressers in Brazil.

Hairdresser is an occupation classified by the International Agency for Research on Cancer as probably carcinogenic (Group 2A) for lung and bladder cancer, but evidence is accumulating on its association with other cancer types. To our knowledge, this is the first study aimed to compare the cancer mortality and premature mortality between hairdressers and other workers in Brazil. METHODS: In this exploratory study, information on deaths by selected cancers that occurred in Brazil, from 1996 to 2020, among workers aged 20-70y, with identified occupation was gathered from the Brazilian Mortality Information System. Sociodemographic characteristics, sex-specific mortality ratio, and Years of Potential Life Lost (YPLL) were compared between hairdressers, service workers, and general workers. We used logistic regression models to estimate crude (ORC) and adjusted (ORADJ) odds ratios. Models were adjusted by age, educational level, and ethnicity. We also used Poisson regression models to compare the YPLL rates across the occupational groups. RESULTS: From 1996 to 2020, 23 557 deaths occurred among hairdressers, 576 428 among service workers, and 13 332 996 among general workers in Brazil. Higher mortality ORs and YPLL were observed for several types of cancer among hairdressers, compared to service and general workers, especially for women. Hairdressers' mortality was significantly higher among whites, women, younger workers, and those who completed high school. Female hairdressers had significantly higher odds of dying from cancer of the digestive, respiratory, reproductive, urinary, and hematological systems, both in crude and adjusted models. For male hairdressers, higher odds were found only for urinary tract and bladder cancer, while other significant associations indicated lower mortality than the comparison groups. YPLL analyses revealed significant premature deaths among Brazilian hairdressers. In women, this was more evident among those who died of neoplasms of salivary glands, bones and articular cartilages, and acute lymphoid leukemia; in men, tongue, pharynx, and thyroid. CONCLUSIONS: Our results suggest that Brazilian female hairdressers are more likely to die from several cancers, with potential consequences on premature deaths. Causal associations to occupational risks, such as exposure to chemicals, should be investigated by observational epidemiologic studies. Meanwhile, it is important to promote public policies, regulations, and Occupational Safety and Health (OSH) strategies to protect hairdressers' health, mitigate occupational risks, and ensure safe workplaces.

Environmental pollutant exposure associated with altered early-life gut microbiome: Results from a birth cohort study.

Emerging evidence shows that the gut microbiota interacts with environmental pollutants, but the effect of early exposure on the neonatal microbiome remains unknown. We investigated the association between maternal exposure to environmental pollutants and changes in early-life gut microbiome development. We surveyed 16S rRNA gene on meconium and fecal samples (at 1, 3, and 6 months) from the Brazilian birth cohort, and associated with levels of metals, perfluoroalkyl chemicals (PFAS), and pesticides in maternal and umbilical cord blood. The results indicate that the magnitude of the microbiome changes associated with increasing pollutant exposure was bigger in cesarean-section (CS) born and CS-born-preterm babies, in relation to vaginally (VG) delivered infants. Breastfeeding was associated with a stronger pollutant-associated effect on the infant feces, suggesting that the exposure source could be maternal milk. Differences in microbiome effects associated with maternal or cord blood pollutant concentrations suggest that fetal exposure time - intrauterine or perinatal - may matter. Finally, despite the high developmental microbiota variability, specific microbionts were consistently affected across all pollutants, with taxa clusters found in samples from infants exposed to the highest toxicant exposure. The results evidence that perinatal exposure to environmental pollutants is associated with alterations in gut microbiome development which may have health significance.

Exposure to pesticides and oxidative stress in Brazilian agricultural communities.

BACKGROUND: Oxidative stress may be an important mechanism linking pesticide exposure to several diseases. We evaluated the association between pesticide exposures and oxidative stress biomarkers in Brazilian agricultural workers. METHODS: A cross-sectional study was conducted in healthy agricultural (N = 52) and non-agricultural workers (N = 68) in a rural community in Rio de Janeiro State, Brazil. Regular pesticide use, sociodemographic, and lifestyle information was obtained by questionnaire. Oxidative stress biomarkers (N = 7) were measured in serum and plasma. We calculated percent differences and 95% confidence intervals (CI) in oxidative stress biomarkers for use of pesticides adjusted for sex, age, education, smoking, and alcohol consumption, using multiple linear regression. RESULTS: Living close to or in the fields was associated with glutathione peroxidase activity but not with any other markers. We observed significant positive associations between 8-isoprostane levels and activities of glutathione reductase, glutathione peroxidase, and glutathione-S-transferase with reported use of certain insecticides, fungicides, and herbicides. Our results also indicate a significant and negative association between glutathione-S-transferase activity and insecticide use. CONCLUSIONS: These findings suggest that use of pesticides may be associated with differences in oxidative stress biomarkers.

Serum levels of perfluorooctanoic acid and perfluorooctane sulfonic acid in pregnant women: Maternal predictors and associations with birth outcomes in the PIPA Project.

AIM: Perfluorooctanoate (PFOA) and perfluorooctane sulfonate (PFOS) are persistent pollutants associated with adverse birth outcomes. This study aimed to identify predictors of blood PFOA and PFOS concentrations in pregnant women and to estimate their associations with birth outcomes in Brazil. METHODS: We conducted a cross-sectional study with 139 pregnant women enrolled in the pilot study of the Rio Birth Cohort Study on Environmental Exposure and Childhood Development (PIPA Project). Multiple linear regression was used to estimate associations between PFOA and PFOS with maternal predictors and birth outcomes. RESULTS: Higher levels of PFOA were observed in women aged 16-19 and 20-39 years, while fish consumption from 0.6 to 2.0 times per week was associated with lower levels of the substance. PFOS levels were higher in women living in houses with up to four rooms but lower in those who reported passive exposure to smoking. Increased newborn length and head circumference were also associated with higher maternal levels of PFOA. CONCLUSIONS: In our study, age, fish consumption, passive smoking, and the number of rooms in the house were predictors of maternal PFAS levels. However, we did not observe significant associations between maternal plasma PFAS concentrations and birth outcomes.

Food consumption according to the degree of processing, dietary diversity and socio-demographic factors among pregnant women in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil: The Rio Birth Cohort Study of Environmental Exposure and Childhood Development (PIPA project).

BACKGROUND: Relevant evidence has addressed the negative impact of food processing on health. However, maternal ultra-processed food consumption is poorly investigated. AIM: To analyze food consumption according to the degree of food processing, dietary diversity, and associated socio-demographic factors during pregnancy. METHODS: Cross-sectional data was taken from a birth cohort in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, with 142 pregnant women. We assessed diet using a qualitative food frequency questionnaire and classified food items according to the NOVA classification system as non-ultra-processed-foods and ultra-processed-foods. Non-ultra-processed-food and ultra-processed-food scores were calculated, reflecting weekly intake of more than one subgroup. Dietary diversity of the non-ultra-processed-food diet fraction was described according to the Food and Agriculture Organization guidelines. The association between food consumption and socio-demographic factors were investigated using logistic regression models. RESULTS: Over 60% of the pregnant women reported consumption of at least three non-ultra-processed-food groups. However, only 25% had adequate dietary diversity. The level of education (Complete high school: odds ratio, 5.36; 95% confidence interval, 1.73-16.65) was associated with regular intake of "meat and eggs." Among the ultra-processed-food score, 27% of the participants described a weekly consumption of at least two ultra-processed-food subgroups. White women (odds ratio, 2.63; 95% confidence interval, 1.05-6.63) had a higher chance of reporting "packaged ready meals" consumption. CONCLUSIONS: This study shows a high weekly consumption of ultra-processed-food subgroups and low dietary diversity of the non-ultra-processed-food fraction of the diet of pregnant women in Brazil. Our results elucidate the influence of socio-demographic characteristics on diet quality during pregnancy.

Farming tasks and the development of rheumatoid arthritis in the agricultural health study.

OBJECTIVES: Farming has been associated with rheumatoid arthritis (RA). Some studies have evaluated the effects of pesticides, but other agricultural exposures may also affect immune response. METHODS: We investigated non-pesticide agricultural exposures in relation to RA in licensed pesticide applicators (n=27 175, mostly male farmers) and their spouses (n=22 231) in the Agricultural Health Study (AHS) cohort (1993-1997) who completed at least one follow-up survey through 2015. Incident RA cases (n=229 applicators and 249 spouses) were identified based on self-report confirmed by use of disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs or medical records. Hazard Ratios (HRs) and 95% Confidence Intervals (CIs) were estimated by Cox proportional hazard models adjusting for applicator status, state, smoking, education and specific pesticide use, allowing estimates to vary by median age when hazards assumptions were not met. RESULTS: Overall, RA was associated with regularly applying chemical fertilisers (HR=1.50; 95% CI 1.11 to 2.02), using non-gasoline solvents (HR=1.40; 95% CI 1.09 to 1.80), and painting (HR=1.26; 95% CI 1.00 to 1.59). In older applicators (>62 years), RA was associated with driving combines (HR=2.46; 95% CI 1.05 to 5.78) and milking cows (HR=2.56; 95% CI 1.01 to 6.53). In younger participants (≤62 years), RA was inversely associated with raising animals as well as crops (HR=0.68; 95% CI 0.51 to 0.89 vs crops only). Associations with specific crops varied by age: some (eg, hay) were inversely associated with RA in younger participants, while others (eg, alfalfa) were associated with RA in older participants. CONCLUSION: These findings suggest several agricultural tasks and exposures may contribute to development of RA.

Revisiting cancer 15 years later: Exploring mortality among agricultural and non-agricultural workers in the Serrana Region of Rio de Janeiro.

Background Agricultural production has expanded dramatically throughout Brazil. Previous research in the Serrana Region found that from 1979 to 1998, agricultural workers experienced high mortality rates from certain cancers compared to non-agricultural workers [Meyer et al. (2003): Environ Res 93:264-271]. METHODS: New data were obtained for 1999-2013 and Mortality Odds Ratios (MORs) were utilized to compare cancer and other mortality between male agricultural workers in the Serrana Region and non-agricultural workers in the Serrana Region, Rio de Janeiro, and Porto Alegre, and to compare mortality odds to previous decades. RESULTS: Respectively, compared to aforementioned reference-groups, agricultural workers experienced highest MORs for stomach (1.55 [95%CI: 1.13-2.12], 2.30 [95%CI: 1.72-3.08], 2.28 [95%CI: 1.69-3.08]) and esophageal cancers (95%CI: 1.93 [1.38-2.7], 1.93 [95%CI: 1.38-2.71], 3.12 [95%CI: 2.30-4.24]), greater than reported in previous decades. Agricultural workers experienced higher mortality for external-causes, respiratory, and cardiovascular problems compared to urban reference-groups. CONCLUSION: Agricultural workers may be at increasing risk for cancer and other mortality. Efforts are needed to investigate distinct risk-factors among this group. Am. J. Ind. Med. 60:77-86, 2017. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

Prevalence of very low birthweight, malformation, and low Apgar score among newborns in Brazil according to maternal urban or rural residence at birth.

AIM: Adverse birth outcomes are a major public health issue in rural areas, where several environmental risk factors, including pesticides, may endanger the health of women of reproductive age. We investigated the prevalence of selected birth outcomes among newborns from mothers living in urban and rural areas of a Brazilian municipality. METHODS: Information about all live births that occurred between 2004 and 2006 in the Municipality of Nova Friburgo, Brazil, was retrieved from the Live Birth Information System. Newborns were classified as rural or urban, according to the mother's residence address. RESULTS: Newborns from rural areas had a higher prevalence of very low-birthweight, low Apgar score, and malformation. On Poisson regression with adjustment for several confounders, rural offspring were more likely to have the aforementioned outcomes. CONCLUSIONS: Women in rural areas are at higher risk of giving birth to an infant with very low-birthweight, low 5-min Apgar score and malformations detectable at birth, regardless of socioeconomic and gestational conditions.

Cancer mortality among Brazilian dentists.

BACKGROUND: Previous studies have variably shown excess risks of elected cancers among dentists. METHODS: National Brazilian mortality data were used to obtain mortality patterns among dentists between 1996 and 2004. Cancer mortality odds ratios (MORs) and cancer proportional mortality ratios for all cancer sites were calculated, using the general population and physicians and lawyers as comparison groups. RESULTS: Female dentists from both age strata showed higher risks for breast, colon-rectum, lung, brain, and non-Hodgkin lymphoma. Compared to physicians and lawyers, higher MOR estimates were observed for brain cancer among female dentists 20-49 yr. Among male dentists, higher cancer mortality was found for colon-rectum, pancreas, lung, melanoma, and non-Hodgkin lymphoma. Higher risk estimates for liver, prostate, bladder, brain, multiple myeloma and leukemia were observed among 50-79 yr old male dentists. DISCUSSION: If confirmed, these results indicate the need for limiting occupational exposures among dentists in addition to establishing screening programs to achieve early detection of selected malignant tumors.

Human exposure to bisphenol A (BPA) through medical-hospital devices: A systematic review.

This systematic review explored the literature pertaining to patient exposure to bisphenol A (BPA) through medical-hospital devices. The acronym PICO: Patient (Medical-hospital devices), Intervention/Exposure (Bisphenol A), Comparison (Different grades of exposure) and Outcome (Assessment of exposure levels) was used. The databases used were LILACS, IBECS, MEDLINE, Capes Journal Portal, Food Science Source, FSTA and CINAHL with Full Text from EBSCO, Embase and Scopus by Elsevier, Web of Science and SCIELO. A total of 9747 references were found. After removing duplicate records, 7129 studies remained. After applying exclusion criteria and qualitative analysis, 12 articles remained. Studies have shown associations between the use of medical-hospital devices and patients' exposure to BPA. For chronic renal patients, there was an association between plasma BPA and disease severity. This review identifies that exposure to BPA is increased after the use of medical-hospital devices. More studies that address the clinical outcome of patients exposed to medical-hospital materials containing BPA are needed.

Exposure of pregnant women and their children to pyrethroid insecticides in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.

Background: Pyrethroids are commonly used insecticides in Brazil. Gestational and early childhood exposure to pyrethroids has been linked to adverse health effects, including neurodevelopmental delays, behavioral issues, and endocrine disruption. This study evaluated the exposure of pregnant women and their children to pyrethroid insecticides in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. Methods: Creatinine-adjusted levels of the pyrethroid metabolites 3-phenoxy benzoic acid (3-PBA) and 4-fluoro-3-phenoxybenzyl acid (4-FPBA) were measured in the urine of 142 pregnant women and their children at birth and in the first, third, and 6th months of life. Results: The geometric mean (GM) and 95% confidence interval (95% CI) of 3-PBA and 4-FPBA urinary concentrations in pregnant women were 0.50 (0.37-0.67) and 0.37 (0.05-2.90) ng/mg, detected in 47.2 and 10.6%, respectively. Urinary concentrations of 3-PBA in the children were 0.18 (0.15-0.23) ng/mg at birth, 0.36 (0.08-1.56) ng/mg at 1-month-old, 0.68 (0.36-1.27) ng/mg at 3-month-old, and 1.36 (0.77-2.42) ng/mg at 6-month-old, and the detection rates were respectively 10.8, 9.4, 20.9, and 20.7%. Discussion: This study is one of the few that has evaluated the urinary concentrations of pyrethroids in newborns and children in their 1st year of life. The results of this study show that children's exposure to pyrethroids significantly increases after birth.

Levels of anti-cyclic citrullinated peptide and antinuclear antibodies in Brazilian agricultural workers exposed to pesticides and fertilizers.

Despite evidence from human and animal studies of pesticide immunotoxicity, little is known about the relationship between agricultural pesticide use and autoimmunity. The objective of the present study was to assess the association between pesticide use and anti-cyclic citrullinated peptide (anti-CCP) antibodies and antinuclear antibodies (ANA) levels. A cross-sectional study including healthy 52 agricultural and 68 non-agricultural workers aged 17-69 years was conducted in the Rio de Janeiro State, Brazil. Serum samples were tested for anti-CCP and ANA by ELISA. Data on pesticide use and covariates were obtained through structured questionnaires. We estimated associations of pesticides and other exposures with log-transformed antibody levels, adjusted for sex, age, education, crops, and fertilizers by multiple linear regression analyzes. Anti-CCP levels were associated with growing certain crops, agricultural tasks, and the use of mancozeb, paraquat, and methomyl. ANA levels were positively associated with azoxystrobin and inversely associated with linuron. These novel findings suggest associations of specific pesticides and fertilizers with anti-CCP antibodies in this healthy agricultural population, supporting the need for larger human studies of preclinical autoimmunity and pesticides.

Metal exposure and oxidative stress biomarkers in a Brazilian agricultural community.

We examined the association between exposure to metals, metalloids, and oxidative stress biomarkers among rural community residents in Brazil. Multiple linear regression was used to evaluate associations between serum metal and metalloid concentrations and blood oxidative stress biomarkers, adjusting for sex, age, education, smoking, and alcohol use. After adjustment for covariates, glutathione peroxidase activity (GPx) was inversely and significantly associated with an increase in serum arsenic (As) levels. Positive and significant associations were seen between elevated glutathione reductase (GR) activity and serum cadmium (Cd), barium (Ba), and lead (Pb) concentrations. In addition, we observed a significant increase in malondialdehyde (MDA) levels in association with an increase in Ba levels. These findings suggest that toxic metals and metalloids such as As, Ba, Cd, and Pb alter antioxidant enzyme activities. In addition, Ba seems to promote lipid peroxidation.

Persistent Organic Pollutant Levels in Maternal and Cord Blood Plasma and Breast Milk: Results from the Rio Birth Cohort Pilot Study of Environmental Exposure and Childhood Development (PIPA Study).

Levels of polychlorinated biphenyls (PCB) and organochlorine pesticides (OCP) were evaluated in the breast milk and maternal and umbilical cord blood of pregnant women and their newborns in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. The concentration of 11 PCB and 17 OCP were measured in 135 samples of maternal, and 116 samples of cord blood plasma, as well as 40, 47, and 45 samples of breast milk at 1st, 3rd, and 6th months after birth, respectively, using gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS-MS). Women were asked to answer an enrollment questionnaire with reproductive, lifestyle, residential and sociodemographic questions. The most commonly detected OCPs and PCBs in the maternal and cord blood were 4,4'-DDE; ß-HCH; É£-HCH; and PCB 28. 4,4'-DDE was also the most commonly detected OCP in breast milk samples. Although not statistically significant, ∑DDT levels were higher among women with pregestational BMI ≥ 30, and who were non-white and older (age > 40). Newborns with an Apgar score ≤ 8 at minute 5 of life showed significantly higher levels of ∑DDT in the cord blood. Persistent OCPs and PCBs were still detected in maternal and umbilical cord blood and breast milk, even after decades of their banishment in Brazil. They may pose a risk to maternal, fetal and children's health.

Acute Kidney Failure among Brazilian Agricultural Workers: A Death-Certificate Case-Control Study.

Recent evidence suggests that pesticides may play a role in chronic kidney disease. However, little is known about associations with acute kidney failure (AKF). We investigated trends in AKF and pesticide expenditures and associations with agricultural work in two Brazilian regions with intense use of pesticides, in the south and midwest. Using death certificate data, we investigated trends in AKF mortality (1980-2014). We used joinpoint regression to calculate annual percent changes in AKF mortality rates by urban/rural status and, in rural municipalities, by tertiles of per capita pesticide expenditures. We then compared AKF mortality in farmers and population controls from 2006 to 2014 using logistic regression to estimate odds ratios and 95% confidence intervals adjusted by age, sex, region, education, and race. AKF mortality increased in both regions regardless of urban/rural status; trends were steeper from the mid-1990s to 2000s, and in rural municipalities, they were higher by tertiles of pesticide expenditures. Agricultural workers were more likely to die from AKF than from other causes, especially at younger ages, among females, and in the southern municipalities. We observed increasing AKF mortality in rural areas with greater pesticide expenditures and an association of AKF mortality with agricultural work, especially among younger workers.

Human Health Risk Assessment Is Associated with the Consumption of Metal-Contaminated Groundwater around the Marituba Landfill, Amazonia, Brazil.

Groundwater is present in its purest form beneath the earth's surface. However, metal contamination is potentially a problem faced by many countries. For this reason, the present study aims to make an assessment of the risks associated with groundwater consumption around the Marituba landfill in an Amazon region. The present study was characterized as transversal with the use of primary data. The sampling occurred in a stratified random way, performed in two radii of action being the 1st radius of 2.5 km away from the landfill and the 2nd radius of 3.5 km away from the landfill to the neighborhoods. A total of 184 points were collected. In all communities the average daily dose (ADD) was higher than the reference oral dose (Rfd), for the metals As, Pb and Mn the risk quotient (HQ) was greater than 1 (one) in all neighborhoods, the concentration of Mn in the least exposed neighborhood was greater than 10 µg.L-1, even at a distance of 3.5 km from the landfill. The average concentrations for As and Pb did not exceed the recommended, however, they were more significant for the Beira Rio neighborhood, respectively 1.47 µg.L-1 and 1.9 µg.L-1. And the average concentration for Cu was more significant for the Uriboca neighborhood 18.20 µg.L-1, but within the recommended. The average of the general concentration of Heavy Metals Pollution Index (HPI) of the water consumed was 80.03, indicating that the water consumed by the population is contaminated by metals.

Maternal consumption of ultra-processed foods and newborn exposure to perfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS).

Evolving evidence shows that ultra-processed food consumption may increase exposure to chemicals used in food packaging and production, such as per- and poly-fluoroalkyl substances, phthalates, and bisphenols. Studies suggested that these contaminants may be transferred from mother to child through placenta, increasing concerns for both maternal and child health. This study aimed to investigate the association of maternal consumption of ultra-processed foods with newborn exposure to perfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) in the PIPA Project (The Rio Birth Cohort Study on Environmental Exposure and Childhood Development). The pilot cohort study conducted with 131 pregnant women-child pairs in a public maternity school in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, was assessed. Maternal dietary intake in the third trimester of pregnancy was evaluated using a qualitative food frequency questionnaire. Food items were classified as non-ultra-processed food and ultra-processed food using the NOVA system and regular consumption of ultra-processed foods was estimated. Newborns of pregnant women who weekly consumed three or more subgroups of ultra-processed food presented the highest level of PFAS (2.47ng/mL; 95%CI: 1.22; 3.72), compared to non-consumption of ultra-processed food investigated (0 ultra-processed food = 1.86ng/mL; 95%CI: 1.38; 2.50). Additionally, cluster analysis grouped ultra-processed food, fish, and PFAS levels. In conclusion, we found increased levels of PFAS in newborns whose mothers were higher consumers of ultra-processed foods.

Mood disorders hospitalizations, suicide attempts, and suicide mortality among agricultural workers and residents in an area with intensive use of pesticides in Brazil.

As suicide rates have increased in rural areas in Brazil, it was postulated that pesticide exposure may play a role in this phenomenon. Our study compared the suicide mortality rates observed among agricultural workers from a pesticide-intensive area in Brazil to the suicide mortality frequency noted in three reference populations. In addition, hospitalization rates attributed to suicide attempts and mood disorders including depression in residents of the same agricultural area were compared to two reference populations. Finally, data on pesticide sales per agricultural worker were obtained for each city of Rio de Janeiro State and suicide mortality risk was then calculated according to the quartiles of pesticide sales per agricultural workers, using the first quartile as reference. Agricultural workers were at greater risk for lethality due to suicide when compared to all three reference populations. In addition, residents of the same study area showed higher hospitalization rates by suicide attempts and mood disorders than observed in comparison populations. Results also showed that the risk of death by suicide was significantly higher among agricultural workers who lived in areas of Rio de Janeiro State displaying higher rates of pesticide expenditure per agricultural worker. These results suggest that pesticide exposure may indeed increase the risk of suicide frequency, especially among agricultural workers.

Double standards and the international trade of pesticides: the Brazilian case.

Despite bans on certain pesticides and their replacement by others considered less hazardous, the widespread use of these substances in agriculture continues to threaten the environment and the health of millions of people. This article discusses the current double standard in the international trade of pesticides and focuses on Brazil, one of the main users of pesticides in the world, analyzing the trends in foreign trade (imports and exports) of selected pesticides as a function of changes in legislation in the United States, the European Union, and Brazil from 1989 to 2006. We applied time line analysis to eight organochlorines already banned in Brazil and conducted a case-by-case qualitative and quantitative analysis of nine other pesticides. The results indicate the existence of double standards, as demonstrated by the continued exports to Brazil of some pesticides banned in the United States and Europe.

Mortality from Selected Cancers among Brazilian Mechanics.

INTRODUCTION: Mechanics are exposed to known human carcinogens. This study aimed to compare mortality from selected cancers between male mechanics and the general population of the South and Southeast regions of Brazil. METHODS: Data on deaths, occurred between 2006-2017, among male mechanics and the general population, were obtained from the Mortality Information System. Occupations were classified using the Brazilian Classification of Occupations. Mortality Odds Ratio (MOR) and confidence intervals (95%) for selected cancers among mechanics, stratified by age (30-49, 50-69 years), race, and education compared to the general population, were estimated using logistic regression models. RESULTS: In general, mechanics showed higher mortality from oropharynx, hypopharynx, larynx, lung and bladder cancers, but lower mortality for all leukemias. Oropharynx and larynx cancer mortality risk was slightly higher among older mechanics, while hypopharynx cancer mortality was more noticeable among the youngest. Lower mortality from all leukemias was observed only among younger mechanics. Mortality by oropharynx and larynx cancers were higher among white mechanics. They were also the only ones to experience higher mortality by hypopharynx cancer, while lung cancer mortality were increased only among non-white ones. Mechanics of all educational levels were more likely to die by the oropharynx cancer. Those with 1-7 and 8 or more years of schooling also showed excess of death by the cancers of larynx and all leukemias. Significantly higher mortality by pancreas cancer was only observed among mechanics with no education, while those with 1-7 years of schooling showed higher risk to die by lung and bladder cancers. Those with 8 or more years of schooling show increased mortality risk for hypopharynx cancer. Increased mortality risk for myeloid leukemia was only observed when stratified by region of residence. CONCLUSION: Results of our study suggest a positive association between mechanic occupation and some specific cancers.
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