Housepaints can increase bladder cancer rate
.jpg "Photo: Sayantoni Palchoudhuri")
PAINTERS and those working in the construction industry are at a risk of developing bladder cancer, according to a report that reviewed the case studies of 3,000 painters with bladder cancer.
Bladder cancer is the ninth most common form of cancer that claims 130,000 lives a year worldwide, according to the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) in Lyon in France. IARC researchers based their evaluation on the finding that painters are exposed to certain chemicals, including aromatic amines, that are also found in cigarette smoke. They studied the smoking habits and found painters who smoke were 30 per cent more likely to develop bladder cancer than the ones who do not.
The risk, however, continued to persist even after the patients' smoking history is controlled, suggesting that painting or occupational exposure is an independent risk for the disease, lead author Neela Guha reported in the August issue of Occupational and Environmental Medicine.The analysis shows risk of bladder cancer increases with longer employment as a painter.
The risk is more in developing countries. Although damaging chemicals such as lead have been removed from paints in developed countries, they are still present in paints in the developing world. "Nearly 40 per cent of bladder cancer patients we receive have been exposed to aromatic amines in paints, leather dust and textiles," said oncologist Rajni Mutneja at Rajiv Gandhi Cancer Institute in New Delhi.
Guha's study does not implicate specific chemicals. "Painters get exposed to a mixture of chemicals. Chemical composition of paints also keep changing, so it is difficult to identify the particular agents," said Guha. To reduce the risk those working in high-risk areas should wear gloves, keep skin covered and keep the workplace well ventilated.
We are a voice to you; you have been a support to us. Together we build journalism that is independent, credible and fearless. You can further help us by making a donation. This will mean a lot for our ability to bring you news, perspectives and analysis from the ground so that we can make change together.
.png)
Comments are moderated and will be published only after the site moderator’s approval. Please use a genuine email ID and provide your name. Selected comments may also be used in the ‘Letters’ section of the Down To Earth print edition.