[Occupational risk factors for lung cancer]

Abstract

Objective: We aimed to review the literature regarding the dose-response relationship between occupational exposure to chemicals classified by the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) as carcinogenic agents and the risk of some lung cancers and on any combined effect with tobacco exposure on lung cancer risk.

Methods: A literature search was performed in three databases as well as in the IARC monographs between January 1990 and April 2015.

Results: The literature is abundant for some carcinogens such as asbestos, crystalline silica and diesel exhaust fumes but is more sparse for many carcinogens and particularly any interaction with tobacco on lung cancer risk.

Conclusion: Few data exist for most lung occupational carcinogens including their interaction with tobacco exposure. In the case of exposure to occupational carcinogens and co-exposure to tobacco smoke, there is a dual primary prevention objective: the elimination of both occupational risk factors and tobacco smoke.

Keywords: Agent cancérogène professionnel; Cancer bronchopulmonaire; Carcinogen; Co-exposition; Co-exposure; Facteur de risque; Fumée de tabac; Lung cancer; Risk factor; Tobacco smoke.