Chance or causality: Problems recognizing laryngeal carcinoma as a result of occupational exposition to noxious substances of blue collar worker employed in the rubber industry

Background: Laryngeal cancer as an occupational disease in the rubber industry is under subject of continous epidemiological research because of the lack of stable statistical data. Method: Epidemiological studies published in the period between 1982 and 2006 were analysed in regard of the risks employment and laryngeal carcinoma. 23 own cases of medical expert opinion and the documentation of the German Occupational Cooperatives were analysed. Results: A significant statistical correlation between a specific exposition to cancerogenics in the rubber industry and a development of laryngeal carcinoma could not be found in the literature, still there is evidence for an increased mortality. It points to asbestos, talcum, dust as one risk factor. Conclusion: Recognition and compensation for laryngeal carcinoma according to Abs. 2 SGB VII is possible after intense individual investigation, although up to now no clear statistical evidence for the coincidence between employment in the rubber industry and general could be proven.