Renal cell cancer risk and occupational exposure to trichloroethylene: Results of a consecutive case‐control study in Arnsberg, Germany

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Abstract
Background German studies of high exposure prevalence have been debated on the renal carcinogenicity of trichloroethylene (TRI). Methods A consecutive hospital-based case-control study with 134 renal cell cancer (RCC) cases and 401 controls was conducted to reevaluate the risk of TRI in this region which were estimated in a previous study. Exposure was self-assessed to compare these studies. Additionally, the job history was analyzed, using expert-based exposure information. Results The logistic regression results, adjusted for age, gender, and smoking, confirmed a TRI-related RCC risk in this region. Using the database CAREX for a comparison of industries with and without TRI exposure, a significant excess risk was estimated for the longest held job in TRI-exposing industries (odds ratio (OR) 1.80, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.01–3.20). Any exposure in “metal degreasing” was a RCC risk factor (OR 5.57, 95% CI 2.33–13.32). Self-reported narcotic symptoms, indicative of peak exposures, were associated with an excess risk (OR 3.71, 95% CI 1.80–7.54). Conclusions The study supports the human nephrocarcinogenicity of trichloroethylene. Am. J. Ind. Med. 43:274–285, 2003.
Funding Information
  • US Environmental Protection Agency, Washington, D.C. (82653501)
  • Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft, Bonn (Br 1825/3-1)