0329 Occupational exposure to metals and welding fumes, and risk of glioma in the interocc study

Background Brain tumouraetiology is poorly understood. Based on their ability to pass through the blood-brain barrier, it has been hypothesised that exposure to metals may increase the risk of brain cancer. Results from the few epidemiological studies on this issue are inconsistent. Methods We investigated the relationship between glioma risk and occupational exposure to five metals - lead, cadmium, nickel, chromium and iron- as well as to welding fumes, using data from the seven-country INTEROCC study. A total of 1800 incident glioma cases and 5160 controls aged 30–69 years were included in the analysis. Lifetime occupational exposure to the agents was assessed using the INTEROCC JEM, a mo…