CANCER INCIDENCE AMONG FINNISH OIL REFINERY WORKERS, 1971-1994

Cancer incidence between 1971 and 1994 was studied in a cohort of 7,51 2 men and 1,942 women who had been employed for at least 3 months in a Finnish enterprise that was primarily active in oil refining. The exp ected numbers of cancer cases were based on the national incidence rat es. The standardized incidence ratios (SIR) for overall cancer after 5 years at work was decreased by 12% because of a significant deficit f rom cancer of the lung in oil refineries (SIR, 0.3; 95% confidence int ernal [95% CI], 0.1-0.6). There was a significant excess of kidney can cer in males, which was highest among men with at least 5 years of emp loyment in oil refineries (SIR 2.8; 95% CI 1.6-4.7). Male blue-collar workers had a twofold risk of non-Hodgkin's lymphoma and non-melanocyt ic skin cancer. Occupational exposure to gasoline may be associated wi th increased risk of cancer of the kidney.