Occupational risk factors for brain cancer: A population-based case-control study in Iowa

A number of occupations and industries have been inconsistently associated with the risk of brain cancer. To further explore possible relationships, w e conducted a population-based case-control study of brain glioma in the st ate of Iowa, involving 375 histologically confirmed incident cases and 2434 population-based controls, Among men, the industries and/or occupations th at had a significantly increased risk for employment of more than 10 years included roofing; siding; and sheet metalworking; newspaper work; rubber an d plastics products, particularly tires and inner tubes; miscellaneous manu facturing industries; wholesale trade of durable goods, grain, and field be ans, cleaning and building service occupations; miscellaneous mechanics and repairers; and janitors and cleaners. Subjects who worked in plumbing, hea ting and air conditioning; electrical services; gasoline service stations; and military occupations also experienced a significantly increased risk. A mong women, significant excess risk was observed for occupations in agricul tural services and farming; apparel and textile products, electrical and el ectronic equipment manufacturing, various retail sales, record-keeping, and restaurant service. Workers in industries with a potential for gasoline or motor exhaust exposures experienced a non-significant excess risk of brain glioma.