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Mortality among sulfide ore miners.
K Ahlman1, R S Koskela, P Kuikka
1Department of Epidemiology and Biometry, Institute of Occupational Health, Helsinki, Finland.
American Journal of Industrial Medicine
|January 1, 1991
Summary
Lung cancer and ischemic heart disease (IHD) mortality were higher in Finnish miners. Exposure to radon daughters, silica dust, and diesel exhaust likely contributed to lung cancer risk in this mining population.
Area of Science:
- Occupational Health
- Environmental Epidemiology
- Cancer Research
Background:
- Historical mining operations in Outokumpu, North Karelia, Finland, have raised concerns about potential health impacts on the local population.
- Previous observations indicated elevated lung cancer death rates in Outokumpu's male population compared to the broader North Karelian region.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate lung cancer and overall mortality rates among miners in Outokumpu, Finland, focusing on potential occupational exposures.
- To determine if specific mining roles or exposures correlate with increased risk of lung cancer and ischemic heart disease (IHD).
Main Methods:
- A cohort of 597 miners, employed between 1954 and 1973 in copper and zinc mines, was followed from 1954 to 1986.
- Mortality data, including causes of death and duration of employment, were analyzed and compared to expected rates based on general and regional male populations.
- Specific exposures such as radon daughters, silica dust, diesel exhaust, and nitroglycerin were considered in relation to observed health outcomes.
Main Results:
- Miners exhibited significantly higher mortality from ischemic heart disease (IHD) (44 observed vs. 22.1 expected) and lung cancer (10 observed vs. 4.3 expected).
- Excess lung cancer deaths were concentrated among miners who began work between 1954-1960, with a notable cluster among zinc mine workers, including diesel ore train conductors.
- IHD excess was linked to roles involving exposure to nitroglycerin, PAHs, noise, vibration, and other stressors.
Conclusions:
- The study suggests a link between mining exposures, including radon daughters, silica dust, and diesel exhaust, and increased lung cancer risk.
- Occupational exposures, particularly to nitroglycerin and multiple simultaneous stressors, may contribute to the elevated risk of ischemic heart disease among miners.
- These findings highlight the importance of managing occupational hazards in the mining industry to mitigate long-term health consequences.