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A cohort mortality study of construction workers
1Department of Hygiene, Nagoya University School of Medicine, Japan.
American Journal of Industrial Medicine
|July 1, 1997
Summary
Construction workers in Japan experienced higher mortality rates from accidents and asbestos-related lung cancers. This study highlights significant risks associated with construction work, particularly concerning asbestos exposure.
Area of Science:
- Occupational Health
- Epidemiology
- Environmental Health
Background:
- Construction industry workers face unique occupational hazards.
- Asbestos exposure is a known risk factor for various cancers.
- Previous studies suggest a link between construction work and increased mortality.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate mortality patterns among construction workers.
- To assess the association between asbestos exposure levels and specific causes of death.
- To evaluate the risk of cancer and accidental deaths in the construction industry.
Main Methods:
- A mortality study was conducted on 17,344 members of the Construction Workers' Health Insurance Society in Mie Prefecture, Japan (1973-1993).
- Age-specific mortality rates for Mie Prefecture were used as a standard comparison.
- Workers were categorized into three groups based on estimated asbestos exposure frequency from job classifications.
Main Results:
- Significantly elevated standardized mortality ratios (SMR) and proportionate mortality ratios (PMR) were found for "accidents and adverse effects."
- Elevated PMRs were observed for all cancers and "cancers of trachea, bronchus and lung."
- Higher asbestos exposure groups showed increased PMRs for all cancers and lung cancers, while lower exposure groups had elevated PMRs for accidents.
Conclusions:
- Construction work is associated with increased risks of asbestos-related cancers and accidental deaths.
- Asbestos exposure frequency correlates with elevated cancer risks, particularly lung cancer.
- The findings support the hypothesis linking construction industry employment to heightened mortality risks.
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