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2971268 
Journal Article 
Validation of Asbestos Exposure Assessment in a Job-Exposure Matrix in the Electricity and Gas Industry in France: The Matex Project 
Imbernon, E; Goldberg, M; Guenel, P; Chevalier, A; Vatre, R; Bonenfant, S 
1996 
0 
Occupational Hygiene
ISSN: 1061-0251 
NIOSH/00230888 
3 
1-3 
This study determined the validity of the MATEX job exposure matrix (JEM) by analyzing its ability to indicate known associations between exposure to asbestos (1332214) and respiratory disease. A series of case/control studies nested within the cohort of male workers employed at Electricite de France-Gaz de France between 1978 and 1989 was performed. Incident cases of cancer of the pleura, lung, larynx, and colon diagnosed during that period were identified. All cases of asbestosis compensated between 1986 and 1992 were identified with complete work histories. Pleural cancer analysis, based on 12 cases and 47 controls, revealed an association when any exposure to asbestos was considered. Lung cancer analysis was based on 310 cases and 1,225 matched controls. Associations between lung cancer and exposure to creosote (8001589), crystalline silica (14808607), cutting oils, chlorinated solvents, cadmium (7440439), and coal-tar (8007452) were also noted. Laryngeal cancer analysis was based on 116 cases and 457 controls. When adjusted for socioeconomic status the odds ratio (OR) for any exposure to asbestos was elevated. Colon cancer analysis covered 110 cases and 436 controls. No association was noted between cancer of the colon and asbestos exposure. The OR for any exposure to asbestos was significantly elevated on the basis of 114 cases of asbestosis and 337 controls. The authors conclude that JEMs can be powerful tools in epidemiological research, particularly for large retrospective studies and that a matrix can provide evaluations of exposure that are reasonable valid. 
DCN-231314; Epidemiology; Risk analysis; Electrical industry; Gas industry; Asbestos fibers; Lung cancer; Respiratory system disorders; Larynx cancer; Occupational exposure; Occupational diseases; Cancer rates; 1332-21-4; 8001-58-9; 14808-60-7; 7440-43-9; 8007-45-2