Occupational Tumours of the Bladder

Tumours of the bladder in workmen making dyestuffs were first observed in 1895, but only in relatively recent years have the responsible compounds been recognised. Similar cases have been known to occur in workers in the rubber industry. The actual tumours are similar to those of non-occupational origin, and substantially reduce the expectation of life. There is usually a long latent period between first exposure to a carcinogen and the ultimate development of a tumour. The manufacture or use of a known bladder carcinogen demands the highest standard of plant design and operation, together with careful medical supervision.