Which disease is associated with exposure to vinyl chloride?

Vinyl chloride is a colorless gas used primarily to produce polyvinyl chloride (PVC), and its exposure is notably linked to a specific type of cancer. When individuals are exposed to vinyl chloride, particularly in occupational settings such as manufacturing or processing plants, there is an increased risk of developing angiosarcoma of the liver, a rare and aggressive cancer that arises from the blood vessels of the liver. Additionally, long-term exposure has been associated with an elevated risk of other forms of liver cancer.

The link to lung cancer, while relevant in discussions around industrial exposure, is not as direct or widely recognized as the connection between vinyl chloride and liver cancer. Thus, the identification of lung cancer as a disease associated with vinyl chloride exposure aligns with the understanding that this exposure can potentially lead to broader health complications, including cancer.

Other options, such as heart disease, asthma, and skin conditions, may be affected by different occupational exposures or environmental factors but are not specifically recognized as being caused by vinyl chloride. These conditions might arise from other chemicals or environmental factors that are commonly found in workplaces but do not have a direct correlation with vinyl chloride itself.