The goal of this study is to identify occupational groups with high levels of exposure to per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) and phthalates – two groups of chemicals commonly found in many consumer products and the environment. The study will also assess the risk of cancer due to exposure to these chemicals.
Perfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) and phthalates are groups of chemicals that are widespread in consumer products and the environment. They have different uses but are commonly found in products such as food packaging, cosmetics, pharmaceuticals, building materials, and textiles.
There is emerging evidence that exposure to PFAS and phthalates may cause cancer. Biological monitoring studies have found universal exposure to PFAS and phthalates in children and adults in Canada. Workers who encounter these chemicals at work may have much higher levels of exposure. However, little is known about the sources of occupational exposure, the industries where workers may be highly exposed, and the potential impact on their cancer risk.
This study will use the Canadian Health Measures Survey (CHMS), an existing national cohort of Canadian adults. The CHMS contains information on participants’ levels of PFAS and phthalates from biological samples. It also contains occupational, lifestyle, reproductive, and medical information, and has been linked to the Canadian Cancer Registry to identify cancer outcomes. This cohort will be used to identify occupation and industry groups with elevated exposure to PFAS and phthalates, and to estimate the association between employment in highly exposed occupations and the risk of certain cancers. Cancers of interest include breast, prostate, testicular, kidney, and colorectal cancer.
This study will support cancer prevention in the workplace by identifying occupational groups with high levels of exposure to PFAS and phthalates and assessing the impact of this exposure on cancer outcomes. This can help to target occupational exposure prevention initiatives and may inform regulatory efforts to reduce exposure among all Canadians.
As of November 2024, data access has been secured and analysis is underway.
This project is funded by grants from the Canadian Cancer Society and the Canadian Institutes of Health Research.
