[The overall and cancer mortality of workers in the rubber industry]

The article contains the results of an original detailed study of the mortality rates caused by malignant neoplasms in workers engaged in rubber industry. There were increased mortality rates caused by cardiovascular diseases and malignant neoplasms including cancers of the lung, large bowel and rectum in some professional groups, predominantly in those engaged in the industry for 10-19 years, or in the groups with similar periods, since the first contact with the occupational factors. Female workers displayed increased prevalence of tumours of the larynx, the pancreas, gallbladder and bile ducts, as well as tumours of the genital organs. The data received corresponded to that of similar studies abroad, which confirmed the high risks of malignant neoplasms' formation in rubber producing industries. Due to the increased occurrence of accidents, intoxications and high rates of suicides in this industry, one cannot exclude psychological influence of the occupational factors. This problem area deserves much more attention and more substantial investigation.