Journal: Thorax
This study evaluated whether coexposure to other mineral particles modifies asbestos-related cancer risk in a cohort of retired workers previously exposed to asbestos.
Design and methods:
- Population: Retired workers enrolled in an asbestos surveillance cohort.
- Exposure assessment:
- Asbestos: Expert assessment from complete job histories.
- Mineral wool (MW), refractory ceramic fibres (RCF) and crystalline silica: French job-exposure matrices.
- Outcomes: Lung cancer mortality and incidence; mesothelioma mortality and incidence.
- Analysis: Cox proportional hazards models, adjusting for asbestos exposure and smoking (for lung cancer).
Key findings:
- Mortality analyses: Additional exposure to MW, RCF or crystalline silica was not associated with lung cancer or mesothelioma after adjusting for asbestos (and smoking for lung cancer).
- Incidence analyses: “Ever exposure” to crystalline silica was associated with a higher risk of mesothelioma (HR 1.75, 95% CI 1.17–2.62) in this asbestos-exposed population.
Interpretation:
- MW and RCF: Did not show an independent effect on lung cancer or mesothelioma within this asbestos-exposed cohort.
- Crystalline silica: Which is not classically recognized as a mesotheliomagen, was associated with increased mesothelioma incidence, suggesting that coexposure to silica may potentiate the effect of asbestos on mesothelial cells rather than act as a standalone carcinogen.