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Nested case-control study on testicular cancer in metal workers

Description

The study of male germ cell cancer was designed to investigate an increased germ-cell tumor incidence among employees in the car-manufacturing industry.
To identify potential occupational and non-occupational risk factors, a case-control study including 205 germ-cell tumor patients and 1091 control persons employed in the automobile industry was conducted. Data were collected via personal interviews. For a subgroup of study subjects blood and urine samples were sampled for the purpose of a biological monitoring.

Summary of results:

1.The study did not indicate an increased germ-cell tumor risk due to occupational electromagnetic fields.
2.The increase in incidence cannot be explained by former or simultaneous activities in agriculture.
3.Slightly increased risks were implied for metal workers, particularly those involved in metal-cutting. It is possible that the observed associations may be explained by specific exposures to hazardous occupational substances. However, these associations have to be interpreted with caution and need to be verified in detail in subsequent analyses.
4.A possible risk increase was also implied for occupational handling of various hazardous substances such as bisphenol A, epoxy resins, the glycol ether EGBE, and dimethylformamid. Further research is warranted to verify the observed associations.

Funding period

Begin:   August 2005
End:   April 2009

Contact

Wolfgang Ahrens

Sponsor

  • Berufsgenossenschaft Metall Nord Süd
  • Deutsche Gesetzliche Unfallversicherung
  • Vereinigung der Metall-Berufsgenossenschaften (VMBG)

Selected project-related publications