Cancer incidence among boat-building workers exposed to styrene.

BACKGROUND: A cancer incidence analysis was conducted on The National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health boat-builders cohort exposed to styrene, a possible carcinogen.

METHODS: Standardized incidence ratios (SIR) and standardized rate ratios (SRR) were calculated using national and Washington State rates and a person-years analysis program.

RESULTS: Among 3704 workers living in Washington State after 1991, when cancer registry case accrual began, 516 first primary diagnoses occurred through 2007. While overall cancer incidence was significantly reduced [SIR: 0.83 (0.76, 0.90)], internal comparisons suggest an association with exposure comparing high to low exposed person-time [SRR: 1.28 (1.05, 1.55)].

CONCLUSION: There is evidence of styrene exposure being linked to cancer incidence, which is notable since the cohort has not yet reached the median age of cancer diagnosis (65) in the United States.