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Mortality among production workers in pulp and paper mills
Scandinavian Journal of Work, Environment & Health
|December 1, 1986
Summary
Pulp and paper mill workers showed lower overall mortality but had increased risks for certain cancers, including lymphosarcoma, reticulosarcoma, and stomach cancer, particularly in specific mill environments and after 20 years of employment.
Area of Science:
- Occupational Health
- Epidemiology
- Environmental Health
Background:
- Pulp and paper mill workers may face occupational exposures linked to adverse health outcomes.
- Previous studies suggest potential cancer risks within the pulp and paper industry.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate cancer mortality among a cohort of pulp and paper mill workers.
- To identify specific cancer types and mill processes associated with elevated mortality risks.
Main Methods:
- A cohort study followed 3,572 pulp and paper mill workers employed between 1945-1955 through 1977.
- Mortality data were compared to expected rates based on U.S. mortality rates.
- Process-specific analyses examined risks based on mill type (sulfate, sulfite).
Main Results:
- Overall mortality was 79% of expected.
- Nonsignificant excesses in lymphosarcoma, reticulosarcoma, and stomach cancer were observed.
- Excess risk for lymphosarcoma/reticulosarcoma was linked to sulfate mills; stomach cancer to sulfite mills.
- Elevated risks were highest after 20 years of employment.
Conclusions:
- Findings support previous reports on cancer risks in the pulp and paper industry.
- Specific mill processes (sulfate, sulfite) are associated with distinct cancer risks.
- Longer latency periods (over 20 years) are critical for observing elevated cancer risks in this cohort.