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Proportionate mortality study of golf course superintendents
B C Kross1, L F Burmeister, L K Ogilvie
1Department of Preventive Medicine and Environmental Health, University of Iowa, Iowa City 52242, USA.
American Journal of Industrial Medicine
|May 1, 1996
Summary
Golf course superintendents showed higher cancer mortality, particularly for brain, non-Hodgkin
Area of Science:
- Occupational Health
- Epidemiology
- Environmental Health
Background:
- Golf course superintendents may face occupational exposures.
- Previous studies suggest links between pesticide exposure and certain cancers.
- Understanding mortality patterns in this cohort is crucial for public health.
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess the mortality experience of U.S. golf course superintendents.
- To compare their mortality rates to the general white male population.
- To identify specific causes of death that are elevated in this occupational group.
Main Methods:
- A proportionate mortality study design was employed.
- Death certificates of 686 deceased Golf Course Superintendents Association of America members (1970-1992) were analyzed.
- Mortality ratios were compared to the general U.S. white male population.
Main Results:
- Overall cancer mortality was elevated (PMR=136).
- Significant excess mortality was observed for arteriosclerotic heart disease (PMR=140), respiratory diseases (PMR=176), and nervous system diseases (PMR=202).
- Elevated cancer risks included brain (PMR=234), non-Hodgkin's lymphoma (NHL) (PMR=237), prostate (PMR=293), and large intestine (PMR=175).
Conclusions:
- Golf course superintendents exhibit increased mortality from several cancers and diseases.
- The observed patterns, particularly for NHL, brain, and prostate cancers, align with findings in cohorts exposed to pesticides.
- Further investigation into specific occupational exposures, such as pesticides, is warranted.