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Risk factors for malignant mesothelioma in people with no known exposure to asbestos
Author(s) -
Musk Bill,
Gordon Len,
Alfonso Helman,
Reid Alison,
Olsen Nola,
Mina Robin,
Franklin Peter,
Peters Susan,
Brims Fraser,
Hui Jennie,
de Klerk Nicholas
Publication year - 2017
Publication title -
american journal of industrial medicine
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.7
H-Index - 104
eISSN - 1097-0274
pISSN - 0271-3586
DOI - 10.1002/ajim.22695
Subject(s) - asbestos , mesothelioma , medicine , environmental health , occupational exposure , logistic regression , pathology , materials science , metallurgy
Objectives Malignant mesothelioma (MM) is a rare and generally fatal cancer, usually caused by asbestos, although about 5–10% of cases report no asbestos exposure. This study aimed to identify sources whereby people in Western Australia (WA) may be unknowingly exposed to asbestos or to other exposures which may cause MM. Methods Cases with no known asbestos exposure were selected from the WA Mesothelioma Register (WAMR). Matched controls were selected from hospital patients admitted for conditions unrelated to asbestos. Occupational histories were coded by an industrial hygienist. Data were analyzed using conditional logistic regression. Results Thirty‐eight MM participants and 134 controls were recruited. Risk of MM was increased (OR = 3.1, 95%CI 1.0–9.6) after no known, but likely, exposure to asbestos at work. Conclusions Because of its extensive use, few people in WA have never been exposed to asbestos. Unrecognized exposure may cause most MM cases initially regarded as “no exposure.” Am. J. Ind. Med. 60:432–436, 2017. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.