Patterns of mortality in pulp and paper workers
Article Abstract:
Over 650,000 persons engaged in the production of paper and allied products in the U.S. are exposed to a wide range of toxic and hazardous chemicals used to break down wood into liquid pulp, to bleach the pulp and to reform it chemically into paper. Recent studies have raised concerns that this occupational group is at increased risk for certain cancers, including cancer of the lymphopoietic (lymphocyte-, or white-blood-cell-producing), respiratory, and gastrointestinal systems. The medical records of 200 deceased male pulp and paper production plant workers were studied using the ICD code (International Classification of Diseases). A proportionate mortality ratio (PMR) analysis of the causes of death revealed a significant increase in the category "All Malignant Neoplasms" (cancerous tumor growths). Among the neoplastic diseases, lung cancer rates were significantly high. PMRs for lymphopoietic system cancer and cancer of the large intestine showed nonsignificant excesses. Interpretation of the results has been hampered by a lack of data on important aspects of personal life-style affecting lung cancer incidence (e.g. smoking history). This study was unable to support previous findings of a high incidence of stomach cancer reported in paper and wood-pulp industry worker populations. The lack of specific exposure data on each decedent prevents further analysis of exposure-disease relationships. An investigation of the causes of death of workers in this industry is strongly recommended.
Publication Name: Journal of Occupational Medicine
Subject: Health care industry
ISSN: 0096-1736
Year: 1989
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Feasibility of identifying high-risk occupations through tumor registries
Article Abstract:
Occupational groups in California who were at a high risk of cancer development were studied by comparing union rosters with the California Tumor Registry. High risk was shown for asbestos workers and painters. The methodology used in this type of testing seems to have limited applications for investigating routine causes of cancer.
Publication Name: Journal of Occupational Medicine
Subject: Health care industry
ISSN: 0096-1736
Year: 1983
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Mortality among rubber workers III. cause-specific mortality, 1940-1978
Article Abstract:
Describes mortality occurring between 1940 and mid-1978 among 29,087 men and women employed in a rubber plant for at least two years - excess deaths from various types of cancer in group studied is shown - follow up investigation is discussed.
Publication Name: Journal of Occupational Medicine
Subject: Health care industry
ISSN: 0096-1736
Year: 1981
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