Polychlorinated dibenzo-p-dioxins and dibenzofurans and their association with cancer mortality among workers in one automobile foundry factory

► PCDD/Fs generated from the automobile foundry process polluted the environment. ► The PCDD/F concentrations in melting furnace areas were the highest in workshops. ► Lung, liver and all cancer mortality in foundry workers increased significantly. ► Relative risk of cancer mortality in melting workers to assistant workers was 2.55. ► Dose-response relationship between PCDD/F exposure and cancer mortality was found.