[Mortality in the tire plant workers].

Area of Science:

• Occupational Health
• Epidemiology
• Toxicology

Context:

• A cohort study was conducted on 17,747 workers (11,660 men, 6,087 women) from a Polish tyre plant, employed between 1950-1995.
• The study focused on mortality from main disease categories, excluding specific cancer sites for a separate publication.
• Follow-up was completed as of December 31, 1995, using the person-years method with Poland's general population as the reference.

Purpose:

• To analyze the mortality patterns and causes of death among workers in a Polish tyre manufacturing facility.
• To identify any significant excesses or deficits in mortality rates compared to the general population.
• To explore potential associations between specific job roles and causes of death within the cohort.

Summary:

• Overall mortality was significantly lower in the cohort (men: SMR=72, women: SMR=62) compared to the general population.
• Observed deaths from major disease categories were lower than expected, with a notable exception of hypertensive disease in men (SMR=142).
• Male maintenance workers exhibited a significant excess mortality from hypertensive disease (21 deaths, SMR=262).

Impact:

• The study suggests a generally lower risk of mortality for tyre plant workers, potentially due to shorter exposure durations and younger age at follow-up.
• Identified excess hypertensive disease mortality in male maintenance workers highlights a specific occupational health concern.
• Further long-term follow-up is recommended for a comprehensive mortality assessment.