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Mortality pattern in a glass producing area in SE Sweden
British Journal of Industrial Medicine
|June 1, 1985
Summary
Glassworks discharges in rural Sweden did not increase overall cancer rates. However, case-referent studies revealed higher stomach and lung cancer, and cardiovascular disease deaths among glassworkers, possibly due to arsenic exposure.
Area of Science:
- Environmental epidemiology
- Occupational health
- Toxicology
Background:
- Discharges from glassworks, primarily lead, raised public concern about cancer risks in a rural Swedish area.
- An epidemiological study was requested to investigate potential health impacts on the local population.
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess cancer mortality rates in parishes surrounding glassworks.
- To investigate the association between glassworks employment and specific cancer sites and cardiovascular disease mortality.
Main Methods:
- Comparison of cancer mortality rates in the affected parishes with national and regional data.
- Case-referent studies focusing on mortality among glassworks employees.
Main Results:
- Overall and specific cancer mortality rates in the parishes were comparable to national and rural averages.
- A significant excess of deaths from stomach cancer (particularly among glassblowers), lung cancer, and cardiovascular disease was observed in glassworkers.
- Occupational exposures, notably to arsenic, were implicated as potential etiological factors.
Conclusions:
- While general cancer rates were not elevated, employment in glassworks is associated with increased risk for specific cancers and cardiovascular disease.
- Arsenic exposure in the glassworks environment is a potential contributor to the observed excess mortality.