Epidemiologic Study of Workers Exposed to Acrylonitrile

This retrospective cohort study of 1,345 male employees with potential for exposure to acrylonitrile analyzes cancer incidence and mortality from 1956 to 1976. Expected numbers based on company and national rates have been computed based on person-years. Th analyses consider calendar time, payroll classification, oc cupation, duration of exposure, severity of exposure, an latency. Overall, 25 cases of cancer occurred, with 20.5 ex pected based on company rates. Of these, eight were respiratory cancer cases, with 4.4 expected. Excesses we found primarily during the 1970-76 time period among wage roll employees who had worked during plant startup. A trend toward increased risks was seen with increase duration and severity of exposure. Twenty cancer deaths were found, with 17.4 expected according to company rates. Since many cancer cases were recently diagnosed and are living, it may be premature to evaluate mortality statistics. These findings, coupled with results from test laboratory animals, raise the serious suspicion that acrylonitrile may be a human carcinogen.