Abstract
Review of the literature cited in documentation of hazard assessments of PAH-involved industries and PAH-containing materials combined with the results of systematic reviews and meta-analyses of the many occupational exposure studies of PAH-involved industries indicates that authoritative review bodies should revisit hazard assessments and thoroughly update the assessments and documentation for PAH-involved occupations using quantitative methods. Current hazard classifications rely heavily on case reports and studies of uncertain or questionable quality with little documentation of review processes. The classification process should adopt transparent, systematic methods beginning with establishing criteria for inclusion of information in the review and should also assess potential biases. The methods of systematic review and meta-analysis should be adopted when data of sufficient quantity and quality are available. Published systematic reviews of occupational exposure studies conducted in PAH-involved industries demonstrate the feasibility of quantitative methods for assessing exposures to PAH-containing materials, and indicate that current assessments overstate associations with skin, lung, and other types of cancer. The review should include consideration of the ways quantitative measures may be useful in developing hazard classifications.
Disclosure statement
There are no conflicts of interest.