Self-reported medical conditions in perfluorooctanesulfonyl fluoride manufacturing workers

Objective: To evaluate whether some cancers, other conditions, and pregnancy outcomes were related to occupational perfluorooctane sulfonate (PFOS) exposure. Methods: We surveyed current and former employees of a perfluorooctane-sulfonyl fluoride production facility, using a self-administered questionnaire to ascertain several cancers and health conditions. Female cohort members also completed a brief pregnancy history. We requested medical records to validate reported melanoma, breast, prostate, and colon cancers. PFOS exposure was estimated based on a job exposure matrix up to the year of the diagnosis of the condition. Results: Of the 1895 eligible participants, 1400 questionnaires were returned. No association was observed between working in a PFOS-exposed job and the risk of any of the surveyed conditions. Conclusion: We observed no association between working in a PFOS-exposed job and several cancers, common health conditions, and birth weight.