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Lung cancer and other mortality patterns among foundrymen
Scandinavian Journal of Work, Environment & Health
|January 1, 1981
Summary
Foundry workers, especially those in iron foundries, show increased risks for lung cancer and respiratory diseases. This study highlights significant health concerns for this occupational group.
Area of Science:
- Occupational Health
- Epidemiology
- Environmental Medicine
Background:
- Previous studies indicated potential health risks for union members.
- This report updates findings and introduces a new case-referent study.
- Focuses on mortality among International Molders and Allied Workers Union members (1971-1975).
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate mortality patterns and lung cancer risks in union members.
- To update findings from a prior proportional mortality study.
- To conduct a nested case-referent study on lung cancer.
Main Methods:
- Proportional mortality analysis using US male death distributions for comparison.
- Obtained death certificates for 99.2% of 3,013 deaths.
- Nested case-referent study comparing iron foundry workers to others.
Main Results:
- Statistically significant excesses in malignant neoplasms, lung cancer, and nonmalignant respiratory disease for both white and black members.
- White foundrymen showed excess respiratory tuberculosis.
- Lung cancer odds ratio was 2.36 (p<0.05) for iron foundry workers dying before 65, vs. 1.19 for those dying after.
Conclusions:
- Foundry work, particularly in iron foundries, is associated with elevated lung cancer risk, especially in younger workers.
- Significant excesses in respiratory diseases and tuberculosis noted.
- Reinforces the need for occupational health monitoring in the foundry industry.