Exposure to Epichlorohydrin and Central Nervous System Neoplasms at a Resin and Dye Manufacturing Plant

Abstract

This study evaluated the relationship between central nervous system neoplasms (CNSN) and exposure to epichlorohydrin (ECH) among 11 CNSN cases and 44 controls who were members of a cohort of chemical workers. Information on area of employment and potential exposure to ECH was obtained from plant personnel and medical records and from interviews with long-term employees. An elevated odds ratio (OR) for CNSN was observed for subjects who worked in the epoxy resin process line (OR = ∞, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 1.2-∞), and in the production of anthraquinone intermediate dyes (OR = ∞, 95% CI = 1.7-∞) and azo dyes (OR = 3.6, 95% CI = 0.6–41). Routine potential exposure to ECH was associated with CNSN (OR = 4.2, 95% CI = 0.7–26). Dose-response relationships were found with duration and with cumulative routine potential exposure to ECH (p = .11 and .08, respectively). Acute exposure to ECH requiring treatment at the plant infirmary also was associated with subsequent CNSN (OR = ∞, 95% CI = 1.5-∞).