A mortality study of nickel/chromium platers

Area of Science:

• Occupational Health
• Epidemiology
• Toxicology

Background:

• Nickel and chromium plating involves significant occupational exposures.
• Previous studies suggest potential links between plating exposures and cancer, but specific risks require further elucidation.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate cancer mortality in a cohort of 2689 nickel/chromium platers from 1946-1983.
• To identify specific cancer types and exposure durations associated with increased mortality.
• To assess the role of nickel exposure as a confounding factor.

Main Methods:

• A cohort mortality study of 2689 nickel/chromium platers.
• Comparison of observed cancer deaths with expected rates in the general population of England and Wales.
• Regression models in life tables (RMLT) used to analyze duration of chrome-exposed employment.

Main Results:

• Statistically significant excesses in mortality were observed for stomach cancer, primary liver cancer, nasal cancers, lung/bronchus cancers, and all cancers combined.
• A significantly elevated standardized mortality ratio (SMR) for lung cancer was found among chrome bath workers (SMR = 199) compared to other chrome workers (SMR = 101).
• Only lung and bronchus cancer showed a significant positive association with the duration of chrome bath work.

Conclusions:

• Occupational exposure to chromium, particularly in chrome bath work, is associated with an increased risk of lung and bronchus cancers.
• Nickel exposure was not found to be a significant confounding factor in this cohort.
• The findings highlight the need for stringent occupational health measures in the chromium plating industry.