| Summary: | SBU has systematically reviewed the epidemiological evidence exploring how exposure to chemical substances in the workplace correlates with heart disease, pulmonary heart disease, stroke and high blood pressure. Conclusions1. Heart disease: There is evidence that workplace exposure to silica dust, engine exhaust or welding fumes, all of which are common workplace exposures in Sweden today, is associated with heart disease. An association was also seen for workplace exposure to arsenic, benzopyrenes, lead, dynamite, carbon disulphide, carbon monoxide, metalworking fluids, and occupational exposure to tobacco smoke. Working with the electrolytic production of aluminium or the production of paper when the sulphate pulping process is used is associated with heart disease. An association was also found between heart disease and exposure to compounds which are no longer permitted in Swedish work environments, such as phenoxy acids containing TCDD (dioxin) or asbestos.2. Pulmonary heart disease (cor pulmonale): There is evidence that workplace exposure to silica dust or asbestos is associated with pulmonary heart disease.3. Stroke: There is evidence that workplace exposure to lead, carbon disulphide, phenoxy acids containing TCDD, as well as working in an environment where aluminium is being electrolytically produced, is associated with stroke4. High blood pressure: There is evidence that workplace exposure to asbestos or lead is associated with high blood pressure.5. There is insufficient evidence to establish if there is any difference between how vulnerable men and women are to chemical exposure in the workplace
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