Occupation and histopathology of lung cancer: A case-control study in Rosario, Argentina

Background: Male age-adjusted lung cancer mortality rate is high in Rosario City, Argentina (62.7 per 100,000). Methods: Case-control study involving interviews with 367 male lung cancer patients and 576 controls. Results: The histological distribution detected was: squamous cell 39%, ade nocarcinoma 34%, small cell carcinoma 13%, and other or no specified cell t ype 14%. When comparing with the group unlikely to be exposed to occupation al carcinogens, a 60% increase in risk was observed for the remaining occup ations (P < 0.008). Risks were high for drivers (OR = 1.9, CI: 1.1-4.0), co nstruction (OR = 2.5, CI: 1.0-5.9), and agricultural workers also (OR = 1.8 , CI: 1.1-3.1). In regard to squamous cell carcinoma, increased risks were observed in the metal industry, particularly in welders (OR = 2.9, CI: 1.0- 10.1) and mechanics (OR = 1.8, CI: 0.9-4.2). Smoking was not a substantial confounding effect. Conclusions: Occupational exposures partly account for the high lung cancer mortality rate among male residents of Rosario City. Am. J. Ind. Med. 36:4 37-443, 1999. (C) 1999 Wiley-Liss, Inc.