Occupational risk factors for renal cell carcinoma: agent-specific resultsfrom it case-control study in Germany

Background This case-control study was conducted to estimate the renal cell cancer (RCC) risk for exposure to occupation-related agents, besides other suspected risk factors: Methods In a population-based multicentre study, 935 incident RCC cases and 4298 controls matched for region, sex, and age were interviewed between 19 91 and 1995 for their occupational history and lifestyle habits. Agent-spec ific exposure was expert-rated with two job-exposure matrices and a job tas k-exposure matrix. Conditional logistic regression was used to calculate sm oking adjusted odds ratios (OR): Results Very long exposures in the chemical rubber,and printing industries were associated with risk for RCC. Males considered as 'substantially expos ed to organic solvents' showed a significant excess risk (OR = 1.6, 95% CI: 1.1-2.3). In. females substantial exposure to solvents was also a signific ant risk factor (OR = 2.1, 95% CI: 1.0-4.4). Excess risks were shown for hi gh exposure to cadmium (OR = 1.4, 95% CI: 1.1-1.8, in men, OR = 2.5, 95% CI : 1.2-5.3 in women), for substantial exposure to lead (OR = 1.54 95% CI : 1 .0-2.3, in men, OR = 2.6, 95% CI : 1.2-5.5, in women) and to solder fumes ( OR = 1.5, 95% CI : 1.0-2.4, in men). In females, an excess risk for the tas k 'soldering, welding, milling' was found (OR = 3.0, 95% CI : 1.1-7.8). Exp osure to paints, mineral oils, cutting fluids, benzene, polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons, and asbestos showed an association with RCC development: Conclusions Our results indicate that substantial exposure to metals and so lvents may be nephro-carcinogenic. There is evidence for a gender-specific susceptibility of the kidneys.