An evaluation of reports of dioxin exposure and soft tissue sarcoma pathology among chemical workers in the United States.

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Abstract
A review of employment records and tissue specimens of 7 workers, reported previously as having occupational dioxin exposure and soft tissue sarcomas, confirms that 4 workers had employment of 2-19 yr in the production of 2,4,5-trichlorophenoxyacetic acid (2,4,5-T) or trichlorophenol, products contaminated with 2,3,7,8-tetrachlorodibenzodioxin, the most toxic dioxin isomer. Of these individuals, 2 have confirmed soft tissue sarcomas. In addition 3 individuals who worked for companies which made 2,4,5-T also have confirmed soft tissue sarcomas. Their employment records do not show specific assignment to 2,4,5-T or trichlorophenol departments; however, 1 individual worked for 10 days in the production of pentachlorophenol, which is contaminated with different isomers of dioxin. Methodological problems are discussed which must be addressed in the epidemiologic evaluation of the outcome of soft tissue sarcoma.