Project: Chimney sweeping and risk of cancer and cardiovascular disease
Chimney sweeps in Sweden have an increased risk of cardiovascular disease and various types of cancer. The increased risk is likely due to exposure to polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAH) that are present in the soot. It is therefore needed to clarify to what extent today's Swedish chimney sweeps exhibit cardiovascular toxicity and cancer-related DNA changes and if the current PAH exposure is toxic.
Chimney sweeps have been recruited for determining exposure, medical examinations and sampling for biomarkers of cardiovascular toxicity and genotoxicity in blood, and urine. Biomarkers and symptoms are also measured in male warehouse workers with a low exposure to PAHs.
The study will clarify whether chimney sweeps’ current exposure is carcinogenic and results in higher risk for cardiovascular disease. In addition, it will determine whether exposure to PAH, as measured by carcinogenic and non-carcinogenic PAH metabolites, is driving these changes. The project is of importance because it can alter the risk assessment for PAH at workplace working conditions.
Financing
- FORTE - The Swedish Research Council for Health, Working Life and Welfare
- AFA Försäkring