Abstract

Previous studies have demonstrated an increased risk of liver cancer among workers in the polyvinyl chloride sector. Clinical examination is often the only way to detect this disease. No simple, effective, practical, and inexpensive technique of monitoring workers exposed to polyvinyl chloride exists.

Clinical chemistry analyses of blood samples were used to establish the liver function of workers exposed to polyvinyl chloride, and of controls.

Exposed workers had a statistically higher prevalence of abnormal values, i.e. values above reference values established using the control group blood samples. This constitutes a validation of the monitoring protocol.

On the basis of the results of this study, the polyvinyl chloride plant studied is implementing this biological monitoring technique for a two-year trial period. The local department of community health is providing medical follow-up.