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Lung cancer mortality among iron foundry workers
Journal of Occupational Medicine. : Official Publication of the Industrial Medical Association
|November 1, 1979
Summary
Iron foundry workers face a higher lung cancer risk, particularly molders and casters. Exposure to polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAH) may contribute to this elevated risk, warranting further investigation.
Area of Science:
- Occupational Health
- Environmental Epidemiology
- Cancer Research
Background:
- Previous studies indicated an elevated lung cancer risk for iron foundry workers.
- The specific causes and occupational groups most affected by this risk required further definition.
Purpose of the Study:
- To validate prior findings on increased lung cancer risk in iron foundry workers.
- To identify the primary causes and specific job roles contributing to this risk.
Main Methods:
- A cohort of 3,425 iron foundry workers employed between 1918 and 1972 was studied.
- Lung cancer incidence up to December 31, 1976, was compared to expected rates using proportional mortality.
- A case-control study within the cohort identified high-risk occupations and exposures.
Main Results:
- A statistically significant excess of 51 lung cancer cases was observed compared to the expected 35.3 cases.
- Molders and casters exhibited the highest excess risk for lung cancer.
- While workers with high polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAH) exposure showed a trend towards higher risk, it was not statistically significant.
Conclusions:
- The study confirms an increased lung cancer risk among iron foundry workers.
- Specific roles like molders and casters are associated with the highest risk.
- Further research is needed to clarify the role of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAH) in foundry-related lung cancer.