Occupational Risk Factors for Brain Cancer in Canada.

Objective: We sought to examine the impact of occupational exposure on brain cancer risk. Methods: Mailed questionnaires were used to collect information on lifetime employment history, occupational expo- sure to 18 chemicals, and other risk factors for 1009 incident cases of brain cancer and 5039 control subjects in Canada in 1994 to 1997. Results: People exposed to asphalt and welding had respective odds ratio (and 95% confidence interval) of 1.29 (1.02-1.62) and 1.26 (0.98- 1.45). An increased risk of brain cancer might be associated with exposure to asbestos, benzene, mineral or lubricating oil, isopropyl oil, and wood dust and with following occupations: teaching; protective service; metal processing and related jobs, and metal shaping and forming; knitting in textile processing; construction trades; and transport equipment operating Conclusions: Our study suggests a possible role for occupational exposure in the etiology of brain cancer. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]