Industry and Carcinogenesis of the Lung

¹ Consultant on Dust Diseases, Workmen's Compensation Board, State of New York

1. There is excellent evidence, both clinical and experimental, that bronchogenic carcinoma may be induced by the inhalation of certain mineral dusts.

2. The number of cases of bronchogenic carcinoma induced by the inhalation of inorganic metals in certain hazardous occupations is relatively small and in no way accounts for the recent rapid rise in the incidence of this type of neoplasm.

3. Experimental evidence reveals the ability of certain organic substances such as coal tar, aromatic and aliphatic hydrocarbons and ozonized gasoline to induce carcinogenesis in experimental animals.

4. The greater incidence of bronchogenic carcinoma in urban than in rural communities suggests the possibility that industrial atmospheric pollution by organic and inorganic chemical substances may play an important part in the increasing incidence of bronchogenic carcinoma throughout the world.