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Cancer mortality among jewelry workers
R B Hayes1, M Dosemeci, M Riscigno
1Environmental Epidemiology Branch, National Cancer Institute, Bethesda, MD 20892.
American Journal of Industrial Medicine
|December 1, 1993
Summary
Jewelry workers show higher mortality from malignant neoplasms and digestive tract cancers. Circulatory system diseases, including heart conditions, were also elevated in male union members.
Area of Science:
- Occupational Health
- Epidemiology
- Toxicology
Background:
- Jewelry workers may be exposed to various hazardous substances.
- Previous studies have indicated potential health risks in this occupational group.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate mortality patterns among jewelry workers.
- To identify specific causes of death associated with jewelry work.
Main Methods:
- Mortality data from 1950-1980 for male union members.
- Analysis of death certificates (1984-1989) for 919 men and 605 women identified as jewelry workers.
- Calculation of proportional mortality ratios (PMR) and proportional cancer mortality rates (PCMR) with 95% confidence intervals (CI).
Main Results:
- Elevated malignant neoplasms observed in male union members (PMR=1.17) and female jewelry worker deaths (PMR=1.24).
- Excesses in circulatory system diseases, including arteriosclerotic and rheumatic heart disease, noted in male union members.
- Proportional increases in digestive tract cancers, particularly colon cancer, found in both male union members and jewelry workers from 24 states.
Conclusions:
- Jewelry work is associated with increased risk of certain cancers and circulatory diseases.
- Specific attention should be paid to digestive tract cancers, including colon cancer, in this population.
- Further research is warranted to elucidate the specific occupational exposures and mechanisms driving these mortality excesses.