Occupational risk factors for lung cancer in women: Results of a case-control study in Germany

Background To investigate the association between lung cancer and occupatio nal factors in women. Methods-Six hundred eighty-six women with lung cancer and 712 controls matc hed for age and region were interviewed to gather occupational histories an d information about other risk factors:and confounders. Odds ratios (OR) an d 95%-confidence intervals (CI) were calculated Results There were 11 cases and 2 controls who reported occupational asbest os exposure. Significantly elevated risks (P < 0.05, smoking-adjusted), wer e observed in the following industries: chemical, oil (OR 3.7), pottery, gl ass (OR 2.5), engine; vehicle building (OR 2.2), paper wood, print(OR 1.9), cleaning service, hairdressing housekeeping, waste disposal (OR 1.5); and occupations: assemblers,; unskilled metal workers (OR 2.5) stock clerks, et c. (OR 1.6), restaurant owners and hoteliers (OR 2.7), as well as waitresse s and travel attendants (OR 2.6). Conclusions The study provides evidence that both occupations previously ob served as hazardous-in males, and occupations of particular significance fo r women only, play a role in the risk bf lung cancer in women. Am. J. Ind. Med. 36:90-100, 1999. (C) 1999 Wiley-Liss, Inc.