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Cancer mortality among workers in the Tuscan tanning industry
A S Costantini1, E Paci, L Miligi
1Centro per lo Studio e la Prevenzione Oncologica, Florence, Italy.
Abstract:
The mortality of 2926 male workers at the tanneries in the "leather area" of Tuscany was examined from 1950 to 1983 comparing it with the national mortality. Cancer mortality was of particular concern because of the many chemicals known to be definite or suspected carcinogens used in the tanning cycle, in particular chromate pigments, benzidine based dyes, formaldehyde, and organic solvents. There was no excess of deaths for cancers of all sites but slight increases in deaths from cancer of the lung (SMR = 131, CI 95% = 88-182), bladder (SMR = 150, CI 95% = 48-349), kidney (SMR = 323, CI 95% = 86-827), pancreas (SMR = 146, CI 95% = 39-373), and leukaemias (SMR = 164, CI 95% = 53-382) occurred. Two cases of soft tissue sarcomas were observed versus 0.09 expected (SMR = 2178, CI 95% = 250-8023).
Insights
Tannery workers experienced increased cancer risks, particularly for lung, bladder, kidney, pancreas, leukemia, and soft tissue sarcomas. This study highlights the occupational health hazards in the leather industry due to chemical exposures.
Area of Science:
- Occupational Health
- Epidemiology
- Toxicology
Background:
- Tannery work involves exposure to numerous chemicals, including known or suspected carcinogens like chromates, benzidine dyes, formaldehyde, and solvents.
- Concerns exist regarding the long-term health effects and cancer mortality among male workers in the Italian leather industry.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the mortality patterns, with a focus on cancer, among male workers in Tuscan tanneries.
- To compare the observed mortality rates with national mortality data to identify potential occupational risks.
Main Methods:
- A cohort study of 2926 male tannery workers in Tuscany, Italy.
- Mortality data collected from 1950 to 1983.
- Comparison of observed mortality with expected rates based on national statistics using Standardized Mortality Ratios (SMR).
Main Results:
- No overall excess cancer mortality was observed.
- Slightly elevated risks were found for lung (SMR=131), bladder (SMR=150), kidney (SMR=323), pancreas (SMR=146), and leukemia (SMR=164) cancers.
- A significant excess of soft tissue sarcomas was noted (SMR=2178).
Conclusions:
- Occupational exposure in tanneries may be linked to increased risks for specific cancers, including soft tissue sarcomas.
- Further research is warranted to elucidate the specific chemical exposures responsible for the observed cancer excesses.
- The findings underscore the importance of occupational safety measures in the leather industry.