1,3-Propane Sultone as an Extremely Potent Human Carcinogen: Description of an Exposed Cohort in Germany

Abstract

1,3-Propane sultone (1,3-PS) is a directly alkylating, genotoxic and carcinogenic substance. In rats, 1,3-PS induces local and systemic tumors at multiple sites, including the mammary gland, intestine, hematopoietic system, kidneys, and the central nervous system (CNS), especially in the form of gliomas. In one particular company, 1,3-PS had been manufactured in limited amounts in the 1950s and 1960s, and for a few purposes until the 1970s. The number of individuals having been in contact with the compound occupationally comprised 55 in total. Data were obtained from this group with an open question of legal compensation regarding an occupational disease. Particular emphasis was placed on malignancies occurring among the occupationally exposed persons. As cerebral gliomas are a major type of tumor induced by 1,3-PS experimentally, the occurrence of two glioblastomas among the previously exposed persons was significant. Three intestinal malignancies were recorded within the cases observed. It is also noteworthy that there was one case of a duodenal carcinoma, which is normally a rare human malignancy. Two hematopoietic/lymphatic malignancies were observed, and there was one case of a renal cell carcinoma. The types of malignancies within a group of only 55 exposed persons are surprisingly consistent with the results from rodent studies. Data clearly indicate that 1,3-PS is carcinogenic in humans. Evidence indicates that 12 cases with various neoplasms were legally compensated within the period of 1985–2010 as an occupational disease, based on the “opening clause” of § 9 (2) SGB VII of legislation in Germany.

Acknowledgments

The cooperation of the Berufsgenossenschaft Rohstoffe und chemische Industrie (BG RCI, formerly Berufsgenossenschaft der chemischen Industrie, BG Chemie), Bezirksverwaltung Köln, is very much acknowledged.

Notes

* By Jan 1, 2008, a re-organisation of the German Statutory Employment Accident Insurance went into effect. Since this time, the responsibilities of the former HVBG (Hauptverband der gewerblichen Berufsgenossenschaften) have been taken by the DGUV (Deutsche gesetzliche Unfallversicherung).