BETA-NAPHTHYLAMINE AND BENZIDINE: IDENTIFICATION OF GROUPS AT HIGH RISK OF BLADDER CANCER

The experience in the United States with occupational bladder cancer associated with exposures to beta-naphthylamine and benzidine has been reviewed. NIOSH surveys in 1972 and 1973 of facilities manufacturing or using these chemicals demonstrated variable degrees of industrial hygiene controls and medical surveillance of past and current workers. Hopefully, OSHA standards promulgated in 1974 for beta-naphthylamine and benzidine will prevent further exposure to these carcinogenic dye intermediates. The problem of notification, counseling, and medical surveillance of workers formerly exposed to these human bladder carcinogens is not resolved. Further work is indicated to evaluate carcinogenic risks and industrial hygiene controls associated with occupational exposures to benzidine derived dyes and hydrazobenzene.