Women's Safety and Health Issues at Work

Cancer

An estimated 180,000 new cases of breast cancer and 11,000 new cases of cervical cancer will be diagnosed in 2007.¹ Workplace exposures to hazardous substances may play a role in the development of these types of cancer. NIOSH is studying several hazardous substances to determine whether there is a link to cancers that affect women.

NIOSH publications that relate to cancer in working women include:

Gliomas and farm pesticide exposure in women: The Upper Midwest Health Study
This study examined exposures to pesticides among women in rural areas of Iowa, Michigan, Minnesota and Wisconsin. This is the first case-control study of glioma among rural residents that looked at the effect of pesticide exposure and work practices in women. Gliomas are a type of cancer in the brain or spine. No evidence for association of pesticide use and glioma risk was found.

Hemoglobin adducts and sister chromatid exchanges in hospital workers exposed to ethylene oxide: effects of glutathione S-transferase T1 and M1 genotype
This study examined the effects of Ethylene oxide (EtO) (a cancer-causing agent) on chromosome (DNA) damage in workers who operate an EtO sterilizer in hospitals. EtO is commonly used to make other products and for sterilization. The study found some individuals who have had a gene deleted (GSTT1 gene) may be more susceptible to DNA damage from EtO.

Mortality among a cohort of garment workers exposed to formaldehyde: an update
This study looked at workers from three garment plants who worked with formaldehyde. The study found there may be a link between formaldehyde exposure and death from certain types of cancer.

Mortality in dry-cleaning workers: an update
This study looked at a population of dry-cleaning workers who were exposed to perchloroethylene (PCE) to see if there was a higher rate of death caused by cancer. Researchers found a possible link between formaldehyde exposure and dying of myeloid leukemia.

Mortality of workers employed in shoe manufacturing: an update study
This is an update to a previous study that looked at the possible link between cancer deaths and exposure to toluene in workers from two shoe manufacturing facilities. Results indicated a possible link between lung cancer death and repeated exposure to low levels of organic solvents.

For additional information about cancer that applies to male and female workers, check out these other NIOSH web pages:

• Occupational Cancer
• Occupational Exposure to Antineoplastic Agents