Lifestyle determinants of cancer among Danish mastic asphalt workers

Three reports suggest that asphalt workers, especially young mastic asphalt workers, in Denmark experience an increase in incidence and mortality from cancer and in mortality from other conditions. The methodology described i n these reports raises questions about their validity and the data presente d are limited and difficult to interpret. The cancers and the causes of dea th that are increased are highly correlated with those seen among men in th e general population who use alcohol in excess, who smoke, and who engage i n other risk-taking behaviors. The effects of these lifestyle causes of dis ease were largely not controlled in the reported studies. These behaviors, which cluster in young men, rather than exposure to asphalt fumes, probably caused the disease patterns that were reported. Policy makers who use epid emiologic results for risk assessment and regulation should do so with care . Working men and women sometimes die at high rates and their occupational exposures may or may not be responsible. The distinction is crucial if occu pational health is to be improved. If asphalt workers die young from excess ive drinking and smoking, we are not protecting their health by controlling asphalt fume exposures. (C) 1999 Academic Press.