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Mortality in workers employed in pig abattoirs and processing plants
Eric S Johnson1, Harrison Ndetan, Martha J Felini
1UNT Health Sciences Center, Department of Epidemiology, Fort Worth, TX 76107, USA. Eric.Johnson@UNTHSC.edu
Environmental Research
|July 5, 2011
Summary
Workers in pig slaughterhouses face increased risks of lung and colon cancers, as well as pneumonia and psychotic conditions. Further research is needed to confirm these occupational health risks.
Area of Science:
- Occupational Health
- Epidemiology
- Public Health
Background:
- Workers in pig slaughterhouses and processing plants are potentially exposed to oncogenic agents and chemical carcinogens.
- Limited research exists on the specific health risks faced by this occupational group.
Purpose of the Study:
- To update mortality data for a cohort of 510 workers in pig abattoirs and processing plants.
- To identify and quantify health risks associated with employment in this sector.
Main Methods:
- Standardized mortality ratios (SMRs) were calculated for the cohort.
- Comparison was made against the general US population mortality rates.
- Follow-up of study subjects occurred from January 1950 to December 2006.
Main Results:
- A significant overall increase in mortality was observed in the cohort.
- Excess deaths were noted for colon cancer (SMR=2.7) and lung cancer (SMR=1.8).
- Increased risks were also found for senile/pre-senile psychotic conditions (SMR=5.1) and pneumonia (SMR=2.6).
- An excess of subarachnoid hemorrhage was observed, particularly in white workers (SMR=10.1).
Conclusions:
- The study confirms excess risks for lung and colon cancers and stroke in pig/pork workers.
- New findings include elevated risks for psychotic conditions and pneumonia, potentially specific to this occupational group.
- Further large-scale studies are required to confirm these findings and investigate confounding factors.
