Foundry Fumes and Cancer

Epidemiological studies of workers in the iron and steel foundry industry have shown 40% higher incidences of lung cancer in these workers than in the general population. They are exposed to foundry fumes containing complex mixtures of PAHs (lipophiles) and metal particulates (hydrophiles). An animal study showed that exposures to foundry fume mixtures produce preneoplastic lesions in test species.  

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Foundry workers who are exposed to complex mixtures of gases and fine particles that include airborne particulates [H] and organic binders [L] have an elevated risk for lung cancer. In vitro laboratory studies have demonstrated mutagenic activity for these fumes, including free radical DNA damageJ53 ... 

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