Skip to main content
SpringerLink
Log in

Oils and cancer

  • Published:
Cancer Causes & Control Aims and scope Submit manuscript

Abstract

Epidemiologic evidence on the relationship between mineral oil exposure and cancer is reviewed. The review is restricted to occupations involving substantial dermal and inhalational exposure and for which an epidemiologic literature exists: metal machining, print press operating, and cotton and jute spinning. Mineral oils are complex mixtures of aliphatic hydrocarbons, naphthenics, and aromatics, the relative distribution of which depends on the source of the oil and the method of refinement. End-use products contain a variety of additives, and contamination by other agents generally occurs during use. Suspect agents include polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAH) (particularly benz[a]pyrene), nitrosamines, chlorinated paraffins, long-chain aliphatics, sulfur, N-phenyl-2-naphthylamine, and formaldehyde. The heterogeneity of this exposure makes epidemiologic study difficult and meta-analysis inappropriate. Nonetheless, several associations emerge from the literature with varying degrees of support. There is clear evidence that early formulations of mineral oils used in cotton and jute spinning and in metal machining were carcinogenic to the skin. Associations of mineral oil exposure with laryngeal and rectal cancer have received some support in the literature, particularly with respect to straight oils. Evidence is suggestive that grinding operations (which can entail either mineral oil-based or ethanolamine-based fluids) are associated with excess risk of cancer of the esophagus, stomach, and pancreas. A number of bladder cancer case-control studies have noted an association with work as a machinist. There is limited evidence of an association with cancer of the colon, prostate, and sinonasal region. Several studies of printers have yielded positive findings for lung cancer, whereas studies in metal machinists have been generally negative. The PAH and nitrosamine content of current formulations is lower than in the past and the implications of these changes in composition to the carcinogenicity of the formulations are not yet known.

This is a preview of subscription content, log in via an institution to check access.

Access this article

Log in via an institution

Price excludes VAT (USA)
Tax calculation will be finalised during checkout.

Instant access to the full article PDF.

Institutional subscriptions

Similar content being viewed by others

References

  1. Bingham E, Trosset R, Warshawsky D. Carcinogenic potential of petroleum hydrocarbons: a critical review of the literature. J Environ Pathol Toxicol 1980; 3: 484–563.

    Google Scholar 

  2. CONCAWE. Health Aspects of Lubricants. The Hague, The Netherlands: The Oil Companies International Study Group for Conservation of Clean Air and Water-Europe, 1983; Report No. 1/83.

    Google Scholar 

  3. International Agency for Research on Cancer. Polynuclear Aromatic Hydrocarbons, Part II: Carbon Blacks, Mineral Oils (Lubricant-based Oils and Derived Products), and SomeNitroarenes. Lyon, France: IARC, 1984; IARCMonogr Eval Carcinog Risks Humans, Vol. 33: 87–168.

    Google Scholar 

  4. Hallock MF, Smith TJ, Woskie SR, Hammond SK. Estimation of historical exposures to machining fluids in the automotive industry. Am J Ind Med 1994; 26: 621–34.

    Google Scholar 

  5. Kriebel D, Eberiel D, Eisen EA,et al. Field investigations of the acute respiratory effects of machining fluids. Final report to the United AutoWorkers-General Motors (UAW-GM) National Joint Committee on Safety and Health, Detroit, Michigan, 1994.

  6. Robins T, Seixas N, Franzblau A, Burge H, Abrams L, Minick S. Respiratory Effects of Machining Fluid Aerosols. Final Report to the UAW-GM Occupational Health Advisory Board, Detroit, Michigan, 1994.

  7. US National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health. Draft Criteria for a Recommended Standard: Occupational Exposure to Metalworking Fluids. Washington, DC: Dept. Of Health and Human Services (DHHS), 1996.

    Google Scholar 

  8. American Automobile Manufacturers Association. Symposium Proceedings: The Industrial Metalworking Environment. Detroit, Michigan, March 1996.

  9. Leon DA, Thomas P, Hitchings S. Lung cancer among newspaper printers exposed to ink mist: a study of trade union members in Manchester, England. Occup Environ Med 1994; 51: 87–94.

    Google Scholar 

  10. Lippmann M, Goldstein DH. Oil-mist studies, environ-mental evaluation and control. Arch Environ Health 1970; 21: 591–9.

    Google Scholar 

  11. Hendricks NV, Linden NJ, Collings GH, Dooley AE, Gar-rett JT, Rather JB. A review of exposures to oil mist. Arch Environ Health 1962; 4: 139–45.

    Google Scholar 

  12. Kinnear J, Rogers J, Finn O, Mair A. Dermatoses in jute workers. Br J Ind Med 1955; 12: 36–42.

    Google Scholar 

  13. Southam AH, Wilson S. Cancer of the scrotum: the etiology, clinical features, and treatment of the disease. Br Med J 1922; 4: 971–3.

    Google Scholar 

  14. Henry SA. Occupational cutaneous cancer attributable to certain chemicals in industry. Br Med Bull 1947; 4: 389–401.

    Google Scholar 

  15. Cruickshank CND, Squire JF. Skin cancer in the engineering industry from the use of mineral oil. Br J Ind Med 1950; 7: 1–11.

    Google Scholar 

  16. Waterhouse JAH. Cutting oils and cancer. Ann Occup Hyg 1971; 14: 171–80.

    Google Scholar 

  17. Waldron HA, Waterhouse JAH. Mineral-oil cancers [Letter]. Lancet 1976; 1: 805.

    Google Scholar 

  18. Tourenc ER. Cancer of the scrotum in workers of the screw-cutting industry. A study of 21 cases [in French]. Marseille Chirurgical 1964; 16: 1–11.

    Google Scholar 

  19. Thony C, Thony J. An epidemiologic study on cancer produced by cutting oils [in Japanese]. In: Proceedings of the 16th Congress of the Permanent Commission and International Association on Occupational Health, Tokyo, 1969. Tokyo, Japan: Industrial Safety Association, 1970.

    Google Scholar 

  20. Roush GC, Kelly J, Meigs JW, Flannery JT. Scrotal carcinoma in Connecticut metalworkers: sequel to a study of sinonasal cancer. Am J Epidemiol 1982; 116: 76–85.

    Google Scholar 

  21. Kneller RW, Gao Y, McLaughlin JK,et al. Occupational risk factors for gastric cancer in Shanghai, China. Am J Ind Med 1990; 18: 69–78.

    Google Scholar 

  22. Siemiatycki J, Dewar R, Nadon L, Gerin M, Richardson L, Wacholder S. Associations between several sites of cancer and twelve petroleum-derived liquids. Scand J Work Envi-ron Health 1987; 13: 493–504.

    Google Scholar 

  23. Chow W, McLaughlin JK, Malker SR,et al. Occupation and stomach cancer in a cohort of Swedish men. Am J Ind Med 1994; 26: 511–20.

    Google Scholar 

  24. Gerhardsson de Verdier M, Plato N, Steineck G, Peters JM. Occupational exposures and cancer of the colon and rectum. Am J Ind Med 1992; 22: 291–303.

    Google Scholar 

  25. Mack TM, Paganini-Hill A. Epidemiology of pancreas can-cer in Los Angeles. Cancer 1981; 47: 1474–83.

    Google Scholar 

  26. Zagraniski RT, Kelsey JL, Walter SD. Occupational risk factors for laryngeal carcinoma: Connecticut, 1975–1980. Am J Epidemiol 1986; 124: 67-76.

    Google Scholar 

  27. Ahrens W, Jöckel KH, Patzak W, Eisner G. Alcohol, smoking, and occupational factors in cancer of the larynx: a case-control study. Am J Ind Med 1991; 20: 477–93.

    Google Scholar 

  28. Coggon D, Pannett B, Acheson ED. Use of job-exposure matrix in an occupational analysis of lung and bladder cancers on the basis of death certificates. JNCI 1984; 72: 61–5.

    Google Scholar 

  29. Jöckel K, Ahrens W, Wichmann H,et al. Occupational and environmental hazards associated with lung cancer. Int J Epidemiol 1992; 21: 202–13.

    Google Scholar 

  30. Malker HSR, McLaughlin JK, Silverman DT,et al. Occupational risks for bladder cancer among men in Sweden. Cancer Res 1987; 47: 6763–6.

    Google Scholar 

  31. Dunham LJ, Robson AS, Stewart HL, Frank AS, Young JL. Rates, interview, and pathology study of cancer of the urinary bladder in New Orleans, Louisiana. JNCI 1968; 41: 683–709.

    Google Scholar 

  32. Anthony HM, Thomas GM. Tumors of the urinary bladder: an analysis of the occupations of 1,030 patients in Leeds, England. JNCI 1970; 45: 879–95.

    Google Scholar 

  33. Howe GR, Burch JD, Miller AB,et al. Tobacco use, oc-cupation, coffee, various nutrients and bladder cancer. JNCI 1980; 64: 701–13.

    Google Scholar 

  34. Tola S, Tenho M, Korkala ML, Jarvinen E. Cancer of the urinary bladder in Finland. Int Arch Occup Environ Health 1980; 46: 43–51.

    Google Scholar 

  35. Cartwright R. Occupational bladder cancer and cigarette smoking in West Yorkshire. Scand J Work Environ Health 1982; 8 (Suppl) 1: 79–82.

    Google Scholar 

  36. Silverman DT, Hoover RN, Albert S, Graff KM. Occupation and cancer of the lower urinary tract in Detroit. JNCI 1983; 70: 237–45.

    Google Scholar 

  37. Vineis P, Magnani C. Occupation and bladder cancer in males: a case-control study. Int J Cancer 1985; 35: 599–606.

    Google Scholar 

  38. Silverman DT, Levin LI, Hoover RN, Hartge P. Occupational risks of bladder cancer in the United States: I. White men. JNCI 1989; 81: 1472–80.

    Google Scholar 

  39. Dolin PJ, Cook-Mozaffari P. Occupation and bladder cancer: a death-certificate study. Br J Cancer 1992; 66: 568–78.

    Google Scholar 

  40. Cordier S, Clavel J, Limasset JC,et al. Occupational risks of bladder cancer in France; a multicentre case-control study. Int J Epidemiol 1993; 22: 403–11.

    Google Scholar 

  41. Roush GC, Meigs JW, Kelly J, Flannery JT, Burdo H. Sinonasal cancer and occupation: a case-control study. Am J Epidemiol 1980; 111: 183–93.

    Google Scholar 

  42. Eisen EA, Tolbert PE, Monson RR, Smith TJ. Mortality studies of machining fluid exposure in the automobile in-dustry I: a standardized mortality analysis. Am J Ind Med 1992; 22: 809–24.

    Google Scholar 

  43. Tolbert PE, Eisen EA, Pothier LJ, Monson RR, Hallock MF, Smith TJ. Mortality studies of machining fluid exposure in the automobile industry. II. Risks associated with specific fluid types. Scand J Work Environ Health 1992; 18: 351–60.

    Google Scholar 

  44. Eisen E, Tolbert P, Monson RR,et al. Full cohort analysis of digestive and respiratory cancer risk among autoworkers. Paper presented at Ninth International Symposium on Epidemiology in Occupational Health, Cincinnati, OH (USA), September 23–25, 1992.

  45. Sullivan PA, Eisen EA, Woskie SR,et al. Mortality studies of machining fluid exposure in the automobile industry VI: A case-control study of esophageal cancer. Submitted.

  46. Tolbert P, Eisen E, Pothier L,et al. Nested case-control study of rectal cancer in automotive workers exposed to machining fluids. Poster presented at Ninth International Symposium on Epidemiology in Occupational Health, Cincinnati, OH (USA), September 23–25, 1992a.

  47. Bardin JA, Eisen EA, Hallock MF,et al. Mortality studies of machining fluid exposure in the automobile industry V: A case-control study of pancreatic cancer. Am J Ind Med 1997; (in press).

  48. Eisen EA, Tolbert PE, Hallock MF, Monson RR, Smith TJ, Woskie SR. Mortality studies of machining fluid expo-sure in the automobile industry III: a case-control study of larynx cancer. Am J Ind Med 1994; 26: 185–202.

    Google Scholar 

  49. Schroeder JC, Tolbert PE, Eisen EA,et al. Mortality studies of machining fluid exposure in the automobile industry IV: A case-control study of lung cancer. Am J Ind Med 1997; 31: 525–33.

    Google Scholar 

  50. Enterline PE, Sykora JL, Keleti G, Lange JH. Endotoxins, cotton dust, and cancer. Lancet 1985; ii: 934–5.

    Google Scholar 

  51. Decouflé P. Further analysis of cancer mortality patterns among workers exposed to cutting oil mists. JNCI 1978; 61: 1025–30.

    Google Scholar 

  52. Järvholm B, Lillienburg L, Sallsten G, Thiringer G, Axelson O. Cancer morbidity among men exposed to oil mist in the metal industry. J Occup Med 1981; 23: 333–7.

    Google Scholar 

  53. Wang JD, Wegman DH, Smith TJ. Cancer risks in the optical manufacturing industry. Br J Ind Med 1983; 40: 177–81.

    Google Scholar 

  54. Järvholm B, Lavenius B. Mortality and cancer morbidity in workers exposed to cutting fluids. Arch Environ Health 1987; 42: 361–6.

    Google Scholar 

  55. Acquavella J, Leet T, Johnson G. Occupational experience and mortality among a cohort of metal components manu-facturing workers. Epidemiology 1993; 4: 428–34.

    Google Scholar 

  56. Rotimi C, Austin H, Delzell E, Day C, Macaluso M, Honda Y. Retrospective follow-up study of foundry and engine plant workers. Am J Ind Med 1993; 24: 485–98.

    Google Scholar 

  57. Delzell E, Macaluso M, Honda Y, Austin H. Mortality patterns among men in the motor vehicle manufacturing industry. Am J Ind Med 1993; 24: 471–84.

    Google Scholar 

  58. Park R, Krebs J, Mirer F. Mortality at an automotive stamp-ing and assembly plant. Am J Ind Med 1994; 26: 449–63.

    Google Scholar 

  59. Silverstein M, Park R, Marmor M, Maizlish N, Mirer F. Mortality among bearing plant workers exposed to metal-working fluids and abrasives. J Occup Med 1988; 30: 706–14.

    Google Scholar 

  60. Vena JE, Sultz HA, Fiedler RC, Barnes RE. Mortality of workers in an automobile engine and parts manufacturing complex. Br J Ind Med 1985; 42: 85–93.

    Google Scholar 

  61. Leon DA. Mortality in the British printing industry: a historical cohort study of trade union members in Manchester. Occup Environ Med 1994; 51: 79–86.

    Google Scholar 

  62. Lynge E, Rix BA, Villadsen E,et al. Cancer in printing workers in Denmark. Occup Environ Med 1995; 52: 738–44.

    Google Scholar 

  63. Paganini-Hill A, Glazer E, Henderson BE, Ross RK. Cause-specific mortality among newspaper web pressmen. J Occup Med 1980; 22: 542–4.

    Google Scholar 

  64. Lloyd JW, Decouflé P, Salvin LG. Unusual mortality ex-perience of printing pressmen. J Occup Med 1977; 19: 543–50.

    Google Scholar 

  65. Gilman JPW, Vesselinovitch SD. Cutting oils and squamous-cell carcinoma. Part II: an experimental study of the carcinogenicity of two types of cutting oils. Br J Ind Med 1955; 12: 244–8.

    Google Scholar 

  66. Bingham E, Horton AW, Tye R. The carcinogenic potency of certain oils. Arch Environ Health 1965; 10: 449–51.

    Google Scholar 

  67. Gupta KP, Mehrotra NK. Tumor initiation in mouse skin by cutting oils. Environ Res 1989; 49: 225–32.

    Google Scholar 

  68. McKee RH, Scala RA, Chauzy C. An evaluation of the epidermal carcinogenic potential of cutting fluids. J Appl Toxicol 1990; 10: 251–6.

    Google Scholar 

  69. Jepsen J, Stoyanov S, Unger M, Claussen J, Christensen H. Cutting fluids and their effects on the skin of mice. Acta Patho Microbio Scand 1985; Sect A 85: 731–8.

    Google Scholar 

  70. Evans MJ, Hooper WB, Ingram AJ, Pullen DL, Aston RH. The chemical, physical and biological properties of a neat cutting oil during prolonged use in a large manufacturing facility. Ann Occup Hyg 1989; 33: 537–53.

    Google Scholar 

  71. Apostoli P, Crippa M, Fracasso ME, Cottica D, Alessio L. Increases in polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon content and mutagenicity in a cutting fluid as a consequence of its use. Int Arch Occup Environ Health 1993; 64: 473–7.

    Google Scholar 

  72. Casey P, Hagger R, Harper P. A collaborative study of 'ink mist' in UK newspaper press-rooms. Ann Occup Hyg 1983; 27: 127–35.

    Google Scholar 

  73. Kay K. Toxicological evaluation of chemicals used in the printing and printing inks industries. In: Ayer FA, ed. Environmental aspects of chemical use in printing operations. Conference proceedings, September 1975. Washington DC: Office of Toxic Substances, US Environmental Protection Agency, 1976: 111–39.

    Google Scholar 

  74. Bingham E, Falk HL. Environmental carcinogens: the modifying effect of cocarcinogens on the threshold response. Arch Environ Health 1969; 19: 779–83.

    Google Scholar 

  75. Kluwe WM, Abdo KM, Huff J. Chronic kidney disease and organic chemical exposures: Evaluations of causal relationships in humans and experimental animals. Fund Applied Tox 1984; 4: 889–901.

    Google Scholar 

  76. Lijinsky W, Reuber MD, Manning WB. Potent carcino-genicity of nitrosodiethanolamine in rats. Nature 1980; 288: 589–90.

    Google Scholar 

  77. US National Institute of Occupational Safety and Health. Current Intelligence Bulletin No. 15: Nitrosamines in cutting fluids. Cincinnati, OH (USA): NIOSH, 1976.

    Google Scholar 

  78. Keefer LK, Goff U, Stevens J, Bennett EO. Persistence of N-nitrodiethanolamine contamination in American metal-working lubricants. Food Chem Toxicol 1990; 28: 531–4.

    Google Scholar 

  79. Järvholm B, Zingmark PA, Osterdahl BG. N-nitroso-diethanolamine in commercial cutting fluids without nitrites. Ann Occup Hyg 1991; 35: 659–63.

    Google Scholar 

  80. Järvholm B, Zingmark PA, Osterdahl BG. High concentration of N-nitrosodiethanolamine in a diluted commercial cutting fluid. Am J Ind Med 1991; 19: 237–9.

    Google Scholar 

  81. Monarca S, Sforzolini GS, Spiegelhalder B, Pasquini R, Fatigoni C. Monitoring nitrite and nitrosodiethanolamine in mutagenicity in cutting fluids used in the metal industry. Environ Health Persp 1993; 101: 126–8.

    Google Scholar 

  82. Horton AW, Bingham E, Burton MJG, Tye R. Carcino-genesis of the skin. III. The contribution of elemental sulfur and of organic sulfur compounds. Cancer Res 1965; 25: 1759–63.

    Google Scholar 

  83. US National Toxicology Program. NTP Technical Report on the Toxicology and Carcinogenesis of Chlorinated Paraffins. Research Triangle Park, NC (USA): NTP TR 305, USDHHS/PHS/NIH, 1986]; NIH Pub. No. 86–2506.

  84. Blair A, Stewart PA, Hoover RN. Mortality from lung cancer among workers employed in formaldehyde industries. Am J Ind Med 1990; 17: 689–99.

    Google Scholar 

  85. Moore RM, Woolf BS, Stein HP, Thomas AW, Finklea JF. Metabolic precursors of a known carcinogen. Science 1977; 195: 344.

    Google Scholar 

  86. Oxhoj H, Andreasen H, Henius UM. Respiratory symptoms and ventilatory lung function in machine shop workers exposed to coolant-lubricants. Eur J Resp Dis 1982; 63(Suppl 118): 85–9.

    Google Scholar 

  87. Einarsson O, Kylin B, Lindstedt G. Chromium, cobalt and nickel in used cutting fluids. Contact Dermatitis 1975; 1: 182.

    Google Scholar 

  88. US National Institute of Occupational Safety and Health. Unpublished provisional data, as of July 1, 1990], from NOES 1981–83. Cincinnati, OH (USA): NIOSH, 1996.

  89. Järvholm B, Fast K, Lavenius B, Tomsic P. Exposure to cutting oils and its relation to skin tumors and premalignant skin lesions on the hands and forearms. Scand J Work Environ Health 1985; 11: 365–9.

    Google Scholar 

  90. Park RM, Wegman DH, Silverstein MA, Maizlish NA, Mirer FE. Causes of death among workers in a bearing manufacturing plant. Am J Ind Med 1988; 42: 85–93.

    Google Scholar 

  91. Mallin K, Berkeley L, Young Q. A proportional mortality ratio study of workers in a construction equipment and diesel engine manufacturing plant. Am J Ind Med 1986; 10: 127–41.

    Google Scholar 

  92. Greene MH, Hoover RN, Eck RL, Fraumeni JF Jr. Cancer mortality among printing plant workers. Environ Res 1979; 20: 66–73.

    Google Scholar 

  93. Brownson RC, Zahm SH, Chang JC, Blair A. Occupational risk of colon cancer. An analysis by anatomic subsite. Am J Epidemiol 1989; 130: 675–87.

    Google Scholar 

  94. Wortley P, Vaughan TL, Davis S, Morgan MS, Thomas DB. A case-control study of occupational risk factors for la-ryngeal cancer. Br J Ind Med 1992; 49: 837–44.

    Google Scholar 

  95. Haguenoer JM, Cordier S, Morel C, Lefebrve JL, Hemon D. Occupational risk factors for upper respiratory tract and upper digestive tract cancers. Br J Ind Med 1990; 47: 380–3.

    Google Scholar 

  96. Brown LM, Mason TJ, Pickle LW,et al. Occupational risk factors for laryngeal cancer on the Texas Gulf Coast. Cancer Res 1988; 48: 1960–4.

    Google Scholar 

  97. Malker HSR, Gemne GA. A register-epidemiology study on cancer among Swedish printing industry workers. Arch Environ Health 1987; 42: 73–82.

    Google Scholar 

  98. Menck HR, Henderson BE. Occupational differences in rates of lung cancer. J Occup Med 1976; 18: 979–801.

    Google Scholar 

  99. Zoloth SR, Michaels DM, Villabi JR, Lacher M. Patterns of mortality among commercial pressmen. JNCI 1986; 76: 1047–51.

    Google Scholar 

  100. Claude JC, Frentzel-Beyme R, Kunze E. Occupation and risk of cancer of the lower urinary tract among men. A case-control study. Int J Cancer 1988; 41: 371–9.

    Google Scholar 

  101. Gonzalez CA, Lopez-Abente G, Errezola M,et al. Occupation and bladder cancer in Spain a multi-centre case-control study. Int J Epidemiol 1989; 18: 569–77.

    Google Scholar 

  102. Steenland K, Burnett C, Osorio AM. A case-control study of bladder cancer using city directories as a source of oc-cupational data. Am J Epidemiol 1987; 126: 247–57.

    Google Scholar 

  103. Schifflers E, Jamart J, Renard V. Tobacco and occupation as risk factors in bladder cancer: a case-control study in southern Belgium. Int J Cancer 1987; 39: 287–92.

    Google Scholar 

  104. Howe GR, Lindsay JP. Afollow-up of a ten-percent sample of the Canadian labor force. I. Cancer mortality in males, 1965–73. JNCI 1983; 70: 37-44.

    Google Scholar 

  105. Brownson RC, Chang JC, Davis JR. Occupation, smoking, and alcohol in the epidemiology of bladder cancer. Am J Public Health 1987; 77: 1298–300.Cancer Causes and Control. Vol 8. 1997 405 </del>

    Google Scholar 

Download references

Author information

Authors and Affiliations

  1. Departments of Environmental & Occupational Health and Epidemiology, Rollins School of Public Health of Emory University, Atlanta, USA

    Paige E. Tolbert

Authors
  1. Paige E. Tolbert
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

Rights and permissions

Reprints and permissions

About this article

Cite this article

Tolbert, P.E. Oils and cancer. Cancer Causes Control 8, 386–405 (1997). https://doi.org/10.1023/A:1018409422050

Download citation

  • Issue Date:

  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1023/A:1018409422050

Search

Navigation