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The solvents 1,2‐dichloropropane and dichloromethane might be causative agents for bile duct cancer
A study from the medical journal Annals of Gastroenterological Surgery found chronic bile duct injury with DNA damage, precancerous lesions, and invasive bile duct cancer in multiple young Japanese printing company workers.
Prolonged exposure to high concentrations of the solvents 1,2‐dichloropropane and dichloromethane was highly suspected to be the cause.
Some of the most common risk factors for developing bile duct cancer are:
- inflammatory bowel disease
- hepatitis B and C virus
- liver flukes
- congenital biliary anomalies
- bile duct adenoma
- parasitic infections
- hepatolithiasis
- drug exposure
In the printing department, various chemicals, including chlorinated organic solvents such as 1,1,1‐trichloroethane, were used to clean ink residues. The department was estimated to have employed 111 former or current workers between 1981 and 2012. Out of these workers, 18 eventually developed bile duct cancer, medically known as cholangiocarcinoma. The research revealed that the incidence of bile duct cancer increased with cumulative exposure to 1,2‐dichloropropane. It is important to note that two workers in the company had gastric cancer, one had Bowen's disease, one had renal carcinoma, and one who was exposed to trichloroethylene developed severe acute hepatitis. These health conditions might have made them more prone to bile duct cancer.
Of the 18 patients from the printing company, 13 underwent surgical resection for their bile duct cancer. Unfortunately, patients with bile duct cancer seem to have a high incidence of postoperative complications, such as intra‐abdominal infection. This might be related to damage to the bile ducts, including chronic bile duct injury and precancerous or preinvasive lesions. Epidemiological studies have suggested 1,2‐dichloropropane and dichloromethane be causative agents for bile duct cancer, whether exposure occurs in occupational settings on under any other circumstances.
Exposure to dioxins present on bases like Camp Lejeune can also lead to bile duct cancer
According to a study from the World Journal of Gastroenterology, environmental toxins such as dioxin and vinyl chloride, a solvent that was lurking in the drinking water at Camp Lejeune, are known to be responsible for some cases of bile duct cancer. Nitrosamines, which result from various chemical reactions, are also potent carcinogens for biliary cancer, according to researchers.
Exposure to asbestos, polychlorinated biphenyls, and radon is also a risk factor for bile duct cancer. Some of these harmful substances might have been present at Camp Lejeune, which facilitated toxic exposure.
Our experienced attorneys can help you determine whether you are eligible to file a Camp Lejeune toxic water claim in the unfortunate case it turns out you have bile duct cancer. A large number of our clients are veterans struggling with the impact of military toxic exposure, so you can rest assured that we will go to great lengths to obtain the most favorable outcome for your case.
