Cancer mortality in the British rubber industry

Area of Science:

• Occupational Health
• Epidemiology
• Cancer Research

Background:

• An excess of bladder cancer was previously identified in British rubber workers.
• Concerns persist regarding current cancer hazards in the rubber industry.
• Other potential cancer excesses in this cohort were suspected.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate cancer mortality among British rubber workers.
• To assess risks for bladder, lung, stomach, and other cancers.
• To account for the long latency periods of occupational cancers.

Main Methods:

• A cohort of 33,815 men employed in the rubber industry between 1946-1960 was followed up to 1975.
• Mortality data for malignant diseases were compared to national rates for England, Wales, and Scotland.
• An analytical method considering long induction periods for occupational cancer was employed.

Main Results:

• No excess mortality from bladder cancer was found for workers entering the industry after January 1951.
• A statistically significant excess mortality from lung and stomach cancer was confirmed.
• A small excess of oesophageal cancer was noted; leukaemia excess was not statistically significant.

Conclusions:

• The withdrawal of bladder carcinogens in 1949 appears effective in reducing bladder cancer risk.
• Lung and stomach cancer represent significant occupational hazards for rubber workers.
• Further monitoring and research are warranted for other observed cancer excesses.