"Occupational exposure to strong-inorganic-acid mists containing sulfuric acid has been recognized as a Group 1 carcinogen since 1992. The greatest effects have been observed for laryngeal cancer, with fewer studies implicating lung cancer. An augmented, secondary data analysis of a population-based case-control study of lung cancer was conducted to assess lung cancer-specific risks. The data set was derived from a previous study of 772 lung-cancer cases, including all new female lung cancer cases diagnosed between 1981 and 1985, and one age- and hospital-matched male lung cancer case per female case during the same period. Individually-matched controls – on age, gender, and borough of residence – were identified. Lifetime exposure to 10 acidic agents including strong inorganic acids and some gases was assessed by experienced occupational hygienists from complete lifetime occupational histories in terms of concentration, frequency and reliability of the various exposure assessments. Smoking-adjusted (log (1 + pack-years/5)) odds ratios and 95% confidence intervals were determined for overall and histology-categorized lung cancers using conditional logistic regression. Effect modification by gender was explored with interaction terms for each exposure. No excess risk for overall lung cancer was associated with any of the acids. No effect modification by gender could be identified. This finding of no lung cancer effect in our study population reinforces more recent toxicological data, which suggests specificity of acid effects to the larynx."

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