WOMEN'S SAFETY AND HEALTH ISSUES AT WORK
Health Concerns: Cancer
An estimated 180,000 new cases of breast cancer and 11,000 new cases of cervical cancer will be diagnosed in 2007.1 Workplace exposures to hazardous substances may play a role in the development of these types of cancer. NIOSH is studying several hazardous substances to determine whether there is a link to cancers that affect women.
Related Resources
Gliomas and farm pesticide exposure in women: The Upper Midwest Health
Study
This study examined exposures to pesticides among women in rural
areas of Iowa, Michigan, Minnesota and
Wisconsin. This is the first case-control study of glioma among rural
residents that looked at the effect of pesticide exposure and work
practices in women. Gliomas are a type of cancer in the brain or spine.
No evidence for association of pesticide use and glioma risk was found.
Hemoglobin adducts and sister chromatid exchanges in hospital workers
exposed to ethylene oxide: effects of glutathione S-transferase T1 and M1
genotype
This study examined the effects of Ethylene oxide (EtO) (a cancer-causing
agent) on chromosome (DNA) damage in workers who operate an EtO sterilizer
in hospitals. EtO is commonly used to make other products and for sterilization.
The study found some individuals who have had a gene deleted (GSTT1 gene) may
be more susceptible to DNA damage from EtO.
Mortality among a cohort of garment workers exposed to formaldehyde: an
update
This study looked at workers from three garment
plants who worked with formaldehyde. The study found there may be a link
between formaldehyde exposure and death from certain types of cancer.
Mortality in dry-cleaning workers: an update
This study looked at a population of dry-cleaning workers who
were exposed to perchloroethylene (PCE) to see if there was a higher rate
of death caused by cancer. Researchers found a possible link between formaldehyde
exposure and dying of myeloid leukemia.
Mortality of workers employed in shoe manufacturing: an update study
This is an update to a previous study that looked at the possible
link between cancer deaths and exposure to toluene in workers
from two shoe manufacturing facilities. Results indicated a possible link
between lung cancer death and repeated exposure to low levels of organic
solvents.
- American Cancer Society. [Cited January 28, 2008].
Contact Us:
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