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Mortality in the British rubber industry 1946-85.
T Sorahan1, H G Parkes, C A Veys
1Department of Social Medicine, University of Birmingham, Edgbaston, UK.
British Journal of Industrial Medicine
|January 1, 1989
Summary
Rubber workers experienced higher cancer mortality, particularly lung and stomach cancers. Occupational dust and fume/solvent exposures showed potential links to these increased cancer risks in a long-term study.
Area of Science:
- Occupational Health
- Epidemiology
- Toxicology
Background:
- A cohort of 36,691 male rubber workers employed between 1946-1960 was studied for mortality between 1946-1985.
- Previous studies suggested potential health risks associated with rubber industry employment.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate cancer mortality risks in a cohort of male rubber workers.
- To assess the association between occupational exposures (dust, fumes, solvents) and specific cancer types.
Main Methods:
- Mortality data from 1946-1985 for 36,691 rubber workers were analyzed.
- Standardized Mortality Ratios (SMR) were calculated and compared to the general population.
- Regression models and life tables (RMLT) were used to evaluate occupational exposure durations.
Main Results:
- Significant excesses in cancer mortality were observed for the pharynx, oesophagus, stomach, and lung.
- Statistically significant deficits were noted for prostate cancer, testicular cancer, and Hodgkin's disease.
- RMLT analysis indicated potential associations between stomach cancer and dust exposure, and lung cancer and fume/solvent exposure.
Conclusions:
- The rubber industry cohort exhibited elevated risks for several cancer types compared to the general population.
- Limited evidence suggests occupational dust exposure may increase stomach cancer risk.
- Fume or solvent exposure may be linked to an increased risk of lung cancer in rubber workers.