Soot (as found in occupational exposure of chimney sweeps)
Agent Name
Soot (as found in occupational exposure of chimney sweeps)
Major Category
Other Uses
Category
Exposures, PAH-Related
Description
Black particles formed from combustion of coal, wood, fuel oil, waste oil, paper, plastics, and other organic materials and refuse; Soots contain about 60% or greater carbon content, plus inorganic and soluble organic fractions. [NTP]
Sources/Uses
Unwanted combustion by-products from fireplaces, furnaces, engine exhaust, etc. Potentially exposed workers include chimney sweeps, heating-unit service laborers, brick masons, demolition laborers, insulators, firefighters, metallurgical workers, and others who burn organic materials. [NTP]
Comments
Exposure to soots in chimney sweeps was first linked to skin (scrotal) cancer in 1775. The soluble organic fraction of soots consists of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) and there derivatives. Inorganic chemicals present in soots include a number of carcinogens: arsenic, cadmium, chromium, and nickel. [NTP] Soots are occupational carcinogens with strong associations for skin and lung cancer and a suggestive association for esophageal cancer. [Siemiatycki, p. 327] Chimney sweeps had increased risk of skin and lung cancer. [IARC]
IARC Carcinogen
Established
NTP Carcinogen
Human carcinogen
Diseases
Occupational diseases associated with exposure to this agent:
Processes
Industrial Processes with risk of exposure:
Activities
Activities with risk of exposure: