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Mortality among unionized construction plasterers and cement masons
1National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health, 4676 Columbia Parkway, Cincinnati, Ohio 45226, USA. fstern@cdc.gov
American Journal of Industrial Medicine
|April 27, 2001
Summary
Plasterers and cement masons face elevated risks for lung and stomach cancer, particularly those with pre-1950 union entry. Continued screening for asbestos-related diseases is recommended for current union members.
Area of Science:
- Occupational Health
- Epidemiology
- Environmental Health
Background:
- Plasterers and cement masons are exposed to various toxic substances including silica, asbestos, cement dust, and solvents.
- Past exposures to asbestos in plastering and current exposures to silica and solvents in cement masonry pose significant health risks.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the mortality risks associated with occupational exposures in plasterers and cement masons.
- To identify specific causes of death elevated in these trades and assess historical exposure impacts.
Main Methods:
- Proportionate mortality ratios (PMRs) and proportionate cancer mortality ratios (PCMRs) were calculated for 12,873 union members from 1972-1996.
- United States age-, race-, and calendar-specific death rates were used for comparison, with statistical significance determined by Poisson distribution.
Main Results:
- Plasterers showed significantly elevated mortality for asbestosis, lung cancer, and benign neoplasms.
- Cement masons exhibited significantly higher mortality for stomach cancer, benign neoplasms, and poisonings.
- Elevated risks for lung cancer (plasterers) and stomach cancer (cement masons) persisted even for those joining the union after 1950/1970.
Conclusions:
- Plasterers and cement masons continue to have increased risks for lung and stomach cancers.
- Union members should undergo screening for asbestos-related diseases and be informed about ongoing occupational health risks.