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Patterns of mortality among commercial pressmen
Journal of the National Cancer Institute
|June 1, 1986
Summary
Commercial pressmen showed increased cancer risks, particularly lymphatic and hematopoietic cancers, and surprisingly, arteriosclerotic heart disease. Solvent exposure may be linked to these elevated mortality risks in this occupational group.
Area of Science:
- Occupational Health
- Epidemiology
- Toxicology
Background:
- A cancer cluster was reported among commercial pressmen.
- Previous studies have raised concerns about potential health risks in this occupation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the causes of death in a cohort of commercial pressmen.
- To identify specific cancer types and other diseases with elevated mortality risks in this occupational group.
- To explore potential associations between occupational exposures, such as solvents, and mortality.
Main Methods:
- A proportionate mortality analysis was conducted on 1,401 commercial pressmen.
- Causes of death were categorized and compared to expected rates.
Main Results:
- Significant excess risk observed for all cancers (PMR = 127) and lymphatic/hematopoietic cancers (PMR = 122), notably non-Hodgkin's lymphomas.
- Elevated risk for colorectal cancer (PMR = 171).
- Increased mortality from myelofibrosis, liver cancer (PMR = 216), and pancreatic cancer (PMR = 162) among long-term employees (≥20 years).
- A surprising significant excess risk of arteriosclerotic heart disease (PMR = 113) was also detected.
- No excess risk for bladder, lung cancer, or leukemia.
Conclusions:
- Commercial pressmen exhibit elevated mortality risks for certain cancers, including lymphatic/hematopoietic and colorectal types.
- Solvent exposure in the commercial printing industry may be associated with increased cancer and arteriosclerotic heart disease mortality.
- Further research is warranted to elucidate the specific mechanisms linking occupational exposures to observed health outcomes.