Intraocular melanoma linked to occupations and chemical exposures

Holly EA, Aston DA, Ahn DK, Smith AH

Epidemiology 7(1):55-61, 1996

We conducted a case-control study in the western United States to determine the relation between occupations or chemical exposures and increased risk of uveal melanoma.

Among men (221 patients, 447 controls), we found increased risks for occupational groups who had intense exposure to ultraviolet light [odds ratio (OR) = 3.0; 95% confidence interval (CI) = 1.2-7.8], welding exposure (OR = 2.2; 95% CI = 1.3-3.5), and asbestos exposure (OR = 2.4; 95% CI = 1.5-3.9 for most likely exposed).

The highest odds ratio was for the small number of men (nine cases, three controls) who were chemists, chemical engineers, and chemical technicians (OR = 5.9; 95% CI = 1.6-22.7). Odds ratios also were elevated for exposures to antifreeze, formaldehyde, pesticides, and carbon tetrachloride, but these findings, based on recall of specific chemical exposures, are more subject to recall bias than the findings based on occupational groups.

(Also reported a significant increase risk in uveal melanoma with microwave/radar exposure.)