Abstrakt

Population-based studies do not allow to give a precise estimate about the percentage of lung cancer cases caused by occupational exposures. Most studies report population attributable fractions of about 10 percent. The main causative substances in Germany are asbestos and ionizing radiation. Smokers have an about 20fold increased risk of lung cancer, and a clear dose-response-relationship can be demonstrated. After smoking cessation, the lung cancer risk decreases, but does not reach the same values than among non-smokers. During the last years a new risk concept for carcinogenic substances has been established in Germany with definitions of tolerable and acceptable risks. At present exposure-risk-assessments are developed. After preliminary results of the US National Lung Screening Trial became available the German Respiratory Society and the German Society of Radiology have recommend lung cancer screening in heavy smokers, but restricted its use to highly controlled programs. Recently, combination effects of carcinogens were introduced in the German list of occupational diseases (asbestos and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons). The evaluation of a causal relationship between exposures and lung cancer remains difficult for substances that are not classified as carcinogenic to humans. In these cases recognition as an occupational disease may be considered if high, mostly historical exposures are documented.

Autoreninformation

Autoren

• R. Merget

Abteilungen

• Institut für Prävention und Arbeitsmedizin der Deutschen Gesetzlichen Unfallversicherung, Institut der Ruhr-Universität Bochum (IPA)

Adresse

Prof. Dr. med. R. Merget
Institut für Prävention und Arbeitsmedizin der
Deutschen Gesetzlichen Unfallversicherung
Institut der Ruhr-Universität Bochum (IPA)
Bürkle-de-la-Camp-Platz 1
44789 Bochum
Email: [email protected]

Citation