Maier, H; De Vries, N; Snow, GB
Occupational factors involved in the etiology of head and neck cancer were discussed. Smoking and drinking have been regarded as the major causes of head and neck cancer. Studies have shown that about 90% of head and neck cancers can be associated with smoking. Existing epidemiological studies on occupational factors associated with head and neck cancer published in the last 30 years were reviewed. These include studies of workers exposed to asbestos (1332214), man made mineral fibers, textile workers, woodworkers, workers exposed to chloromethyl ethers, workers employed in the manufacture of plastic products, rubber products, and vinyl-chloride, naphthalene refinery workers, horticulturists exposed to pesticides, workers employed in alcohol manufacturing, workers exposed to sulfuric-acid (7664939) mists, leather workers, paint and print workers, automobile drivers, professional drivers, and other groups exposed to mineral oil or diesel and gasoline fumes, workers exposed to nickel (7440020), metal workers, farmers, construction workers exposed to cement and concrete dusts, and bartenders and workers in hotels and restaurants. The studies have shown increased risks of laryngeal and pharyngeal cancer and oral carcinomas in most occupational groups. The risk was highest or confined to smokers in most groups. Passive smoking was regarded as a possible risk factor in groups such as bartenders, and hotel and restaurant workers. The authors conclude that epidemiological studies has shown that a definite association exists between exposure to inhaled agents and head and neck cancers; alcohol and smoking could be confounding the results in some studies.