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Cancer mortality among workers in the German rubber industry: 1981-91
S K Weiland1, K A Mundt, U Keil
1Institute of Epidemiology and Social Medicine, University of Münster, Germany.
Occupational and Environmental Medicine
|May 1, 1996
Summary
German rubber industry workers experienced increased cancer mortality, particularly for lung and pleural cancers. Occupational exposures may contribute to the elevated risk of several cancer sites in this cohort.
Area of Science:
- Occupational Health
- Epidemiology
- Toxicology
Background:
- The rubber industry has been historically associated with increased cancer risks.
- Understanding cancer-specific mortality in this sector is crucial for worker protection.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate cancer-specific mortality among active and retired German rubber industry workers.
- To focus on cancer sites previously linked to rubber industry exposures.
Main Methods:
- A cohort of 11,663 German men employed in rubber production was followed from 1981 to 1991.
- Mortality data were analyzed using standardized mortality ratios (SMR) adjusted for age and calendar year.
- Cause of death was ascertained for 96.8% of decedents.
Main Results:
- Overall mortality and cancer mortality were significantly elevated in the cohort.
- Significant excesses were observed for lung cancer (SMR 130) and pleural cancer (SMR 401).
- Increased SMRs were also noted for cancers of the pharynx, esophagus, stomach, rectum, larynx, prostate, bladder, and leukemia.
Conclusions:
- Cancer mortality at several sites aligns with previous associations with the rubber industry.
- Findings suggest a potential role of occupational exposures in the etiology of these increased cancer risks.