Kidney cancer risk in oil refining in Finland: a nested case-referent study.

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to assess whether occupational exposure to hydrocarbons in the oil-refining activity increases the risk of kidney cancer. This case-referent study was nested within the cohort of employees in the oil refinery industry in Finland in 1967 to 1982 (n = 9454). The final data included 30 cases of kidney cancer and 81 age- and sex-matched referents. There was a threefold increase in the kidney cancer risk for exposure to hydrocarbons in crude oil (odds ratio, 3.1; confidence interval, 1.1 to 8.9; 11 exposed cases). The risk was associated with the highest cumulative exposure category to hydrocarbons in crude oil. Occupational exposure in oil refining, particularly to crude oil, may increase kidney cancer risk. The study assessed historical exposures; further information needs to be collected for evaluating current exposures.