1. Systematic review and meta-analysis of epidemiological literature evaluating the association between exposure to man-made vitreous fibers and respiratory tract cancers.
- Author
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Suder Egnot N, Benson SM, Vater MF, Hazan R, Patel O, and Marsh GM
- Subjects
- Animals, Humans, Lung Neoplasms epidemiology, Male, Respiratory Tract Neoplasms epidemiology, Lung Neoplasms chemically induced, Mineral Fibers adverse effects, Occupational Exposure adverse effects, Respiratory Tract Neoplasms chemically induced
- Abstract
We conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis of epidemiological studies that evaluated occupational exposure to man-made vitreous fibers (MMVF) including glass, rock, and slag wools, and respiratory tract cancers (RTC) including cancers of the larynx, trachea, bronchus, and lung. The MEDLINE/PubMed and Web of Science databases were searched in order to identify epidemiological studies that evaluated the association between occupational MMVF exposure and RTCs. We performed random-effects meta-analyses of relevant studies identified by our literature search, and evaluated sources of between-study heterogeneity. The pooled relative risk (RR) of RTC among workers exposed to MMVFs was 1.09 (95% CI = 0.97, 1.22). The RR was closer to 1.0 when limiting the analysis to effect estimates from studies that accounted for the main a priori risk factors for RTC, asbestos exposure and smoking (RR = 1.03, 95% CI = 0.90, 1.18). Overall, our synthesis of the epidemiological literature suggests that occupational MMVF exposure is not associated with risk of RTC., Competing Interests: Declaration of competing interest The authors declare the following financial interests/personal relationships which may be considered as potential competing interests: All the authors are employed by Cardno ChemRisk, a consulting firm that provides scientific advice to the government, corporations, law firms and various scientific/professional organizations. GM is also Professor of Biostatistics and Director and Founder of the Center for Occupational Biostatistics and Epidemiology at the University of Pittsburgh Graduate School of Public Health. Financial support for the research described in the manuscript was provided by the North American Insulation Manufacturers Association (NAIMA). The funding association had no involvement or influence in the analysis, writing or conclusions of this review. This article was prepared and written exclusively by the authors without review or comment by any outside entity., (Copyright © 2020 The Authors. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)
- Published
- 2020
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