Open AccessAn evaluation of reports of dioxin exposure and soft tissue sarcoma pathology among chemical workers in the United States.
Author(s) -
M. Fingerhut,
William Halperin,
Patricia A. Honchar,
Alice B. Smith,
David H. Groth,
William O. Russell
Publication year - 1984
Publication title -
scandinavian journal of work, environment and health
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
eISSN - 1795-990X
pISSN - 0355-3140
DOI - 10.5271/sjweh.2325
Subject(s) - soft tissue , soft tissue sarcoma , sarcoma , pentachlorophenol , medicine , pathology , toxicology , chemistry , biology , environmental chemistry
A review of employment records and tissue specimens of seven workers, reported previously as having occupational dioxin exposure and soft tissue sarcomas, confirms that four workers had employment of 2 to 19 years in the production of 2,4,5-trichlorophenoxyacetic acid (2,4,5-T) or trichlorophenol, products contaminated with 2,3,7,8-tetrachlorodibenzodioxin, the most toxic dioxin isomer. Of these individuals, two have confirmed soft tissue sarcomas. In addition three individuals who worked for companies which made 2,4,5-T also have confirmed soft tissue sarcomas. Their employment records do not show specific assignment to 2,4,5-T or trichlorophenol departments; however, one individual worked for 10 d in the production of pentachlorophenol, which is contaminated with different isomers of dioxin. Methodological problems are discussed which must be addressed in the epidemiologic evaluation of the outcome of soft tissue sarcoma.