The impact of vinyl chloride exposure on the health of Italian workers: an evaluation from SIREP compliance data

Abstract

The aim of the study is to investigate exposures to vinyl chloride monomer (VCM) at workplace in Italy and the related burden of diseases. Measurements data was collected from a nation-wide occupational exposure registry (SIREP, 1996–2016). Potentially exposed workers were estimated for some industrial sectors. Concurrent exposures were investigated using cluster analysis. Proportionate mortality ratios were calculated linking data to national mortality statistics (2005–2015). Overall 8,460 measurements were analyzed. Most exposures occurred in the manufacture of chemicals and plastic products. A total of 12,148 workers potentially exposed was estimated (64% male). Concurrent exposures were detected frequently (83%). An elevated proportion of deaths for liver cancer was found in male exposed workers. Although VCM is a known carcinogen for humans, there are still many exposure situations, albeit at low doses, in the chemical and plastic industries.

Keywords:

• Carcinogenic risk
• exposure assessment
• occupational health
• proportionate mortality ratios
• surveillance systems

Acknowledgements

The authors are grateful to the staff at Occupational and Environmental Epidemiology Laboratory of the Department of Medicine, Epidemiology, Occupational and Environmental Hygiene (INAIL), for the support provided in the archiving and managing of data.

Disclosure statement

The authors declare that they have no competing interests.

Funding

This work was supported by the Italian Workers’ Compensation Authority (INAIL).