The epidemiology of primary lung cancer in uranium miners in Ontario

This paper reviews the epidemiology of lung cancer in uranium miners in northern Ontario whose cumulative exposure was relatively low and who were exposed only for a short period of time. The development of the "epidemic" is demonstrated chronologically and in terms of latency. An apparent difference between the effects of short-term and of more prolonged radiation is shown. A dose-response effect is demonstrated at all levels. Analysis of tumor type suggests that there may be a difference in dose-response between the two principal types encountered. The relationship of the geographic location of exposure to the final residence at death is reviewed.