Mortality among masons in Iceland.

Area of Science:

• Occupational Health
• Environmental Health
• Epidemiology

Background:

• Masons are occupationally exposed to cement, which contains hexavalent chromium.
• Hexavalent chromium is a known carcinogen.
• Previous studies have suggested a link between chromium exposure and lung cancer.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the cause of death among Icelandic masons exposed to hexavalent chromium.
• To determine if occupational exposure to hexavalent chromium increases the risk of lung cancer.

Main Methods:

• A cohort study of 450 Icelandic masons born between 1905 and 1945 was conducted.
• Death information from 1951 to 1982 was obtained from the Statistical Bureau of Iceland.
• Observed death rates were compared to expected national rates, with analysis of latent periods.

Main Results:

• Total deaths were slightly lower than expected, but deaths with 20 and 30-year latent periods were higher than expected.
• Nine deaths from lung cancer were observed, significantly exceeding expected rates, particularly with longer latent periods.
• An excess of lung cancer deaths was noted among masons with extended latency periods.

Conclusions:

• The findings suggest a causal relationship between occupational exposure to hexavalent chromium in cement and an increased risk of lung cancer among masons.
• Occupational health surveillance and exposure reduction measures are warranted for masons and similar trades.
• Further research into the specific mechanisms and dose-response relationships is recommended.