6 research outputs found
Lung cancer and mesothelioma among engine room crew – case reports with risk assessment of previous and ongoing exposure to carcinogens
Objective.The aim of this article is to illustrate, by means of case reports on
occupational exposure in four men with cancer, the hazards of previous and ongoing
carcinogenic exposures in ships’ engine rooms. Several cases of cancer occurred within
a few years among the engine room crew of a passenger ferry. An investigation was
undertaken to establish the number of cases, the types of cancers involved, and their
possible relation to work.
Subjects and Methods. Nine cases of cancer among crew members of the ferry
were reported between 2001 and 2006, six of which occurred in crew working in the
engine room. During the investigated time period, 65 men had been employed in the
engine room (mean age 40, range 16–65, years). Four cases were referred to our
department. Medical history, personal risk factors and specific diagnoses were collected
by medical examinations and from the medical files. An experienced occupational
hygienist evaluated work-related exposure to carcinogens. Results. Two engine room ratings contracted lung cancer at the age of 54 and 61,
respectively. Both men had been smokers for many years (33 and 45 years,
respectively). One engine room rating and one electrical engineer were diagnosed with
mesothelioma at the age of 61 and 63, respectively. All four had started to work in
engine rooms between 1959 and 1967. Carcinogenic exposure included asbestos, with
an estimated cumulative exposure of 2–5 fibreyears/mL, as well as polycyclic aromatic
hydrocarbons (PAHs) and nitroarenes from oils, soot and engine exhaust.
Conclusions. For the lung cancer cases, smoking and asbestos exposure were
considered clear risk factors, and PAHs and nitroarenes possible risk factors. For the
mesothelioma cases, former asbestos exposure was considered a causal factor. Asbestos
can still be present on ships. Steps should be taken to reduce the exposure to asbestos,
PAHs and nitroarenes, and smoking