Proportionate Cancer Mortality Ratios Research Articles

Mortality among World Trade Center rescue and recovery workers, 2002-2011.

Rescue and recovery workers responding to the 2001 collapse of the World Trade Center (WTC) sustained exposures to toxic chemicals and have elevated rates of multiple morbidities. Using data from the World Trade Center Health Program and the National Death Index for 2002-2011, we examined standardized mortality ratios (SMR) and proportional cancer mortality ratios (PCMR) with indirect standardization for age, sex, race, and calendar year to the U.S. general population, as well as associations between WTC-related environmental exposures and all-cause mortality. We identified 330 deaths among 28,918 responders (SMR 0.43, 95%CI 0.39-0.48). No cause-specific SMRs were meaningfully elevated. PCMRs were elevated for neoplasms of lymphatic and hematopoietic tissue (PCMR 1.76, 95%CI 1.06-2.75). Mortality hazard ratios showed no linear trend with exposure. Consistent with a healthy worker effect, all-cause mortality among responders was not elevated. There was no clear association between intensity and duration of exposure and mortality. Surveillance is needed to monitor the proportionally higher cancer mortality attributed to lymphatic/hematopoietic neoplasms.

Analyses of Radiation and Mesothelioma in the US Transuranium and Uranium Registries

We examined the relationship between radiation and excess deaths from mesothelioma among deceased nuclear workers who were part of the US Transuranium and Uranium Registries. We performed univariate analysis with SAS Version 9.1 software. We conducted proportionate mortality ratio (PMR) and proportionate cancer mortality ratio (PCMR) analyses using the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health Life Table Analysis System with the referent group being all deaths in the United States. We found a PMR of 62.40 (P < .05) and a PCMR of 46.92 (P < .05) for mesothelioma. PMRs for the 4 cumulative external radiation dose quartiles were 61.83, 57.43, 74.46, and 83.31. PCMRs were 36.16, 47.07, 51.35, and 67.73. The PMR and PCMR for trachea, bronchus, and lung cancer were not significantly elevated. The relationship between cumulative external radiation dose and the PMR and PCMR for mesothelioma suggests that external radiation at nuclear facilities is associated with an increased risk of mesothelioma. The lack of a significantly elevated PMR and PCMR for trachea, bronchus, and lung cancer suggests that asbestos did not confound this relationship.

Patterns of Mortality among Wisconsin Uniroyal Tire Manufacturing Workers

The goal of this analysis was to determine the patterns of mortality among deceased workers of the former Uniroyal, Inc. Plant in Eau Claire, Wisconsin, who were exposed to solvents. After collecting information on cause of death, we conducted a standardized proportional mortality ratio (PMR) and proportional cancer mortality ratio (PCMR) analysis. The results of the PCMR analysis indicate that former Uniroyal workers experienced elevated mortality due to cancers, especially lymphohematopoietic cancers, compared to other Wisconsin decedents. The former workers and family members were pursuing litigation at the time of publication. We received the list of deceased workers from plaintiffs' attorney and were compensated for conducting the analysis; the funder did not directly participate in any part of the study or influence the results. We conclude there is evidence of excess lymphohematopoietic cancer in this worker cohort.

Proportionate Cancer Mortality in Methyl Methacrylate-Exposed Orthopedic Surgeons Compared to General Surgeons

Methyl methacrylate (MMA), a volatile liquid used to make dentures, hearing aids, joint prostheses, and medical adhesives, has been associated with colorectal carcinomas in acrylic sheet manufacturing workers. A case-control proportionate cancer mortality investigation was conducted to determine cancer death differences in orthopedic surgeons performing total joint replacements (TJRs) (MMA-exposed cases) and general surgeons not performing TJRs (unexposed controls). The American Colleges of Orthopedic Surgeons and General Surgeons provided complete demographic information on 468 male orthopedic surgeons and 1,890 male general surgeons who died during 1991-2001. Decedent data was submitted to the National Death Index for matching with underlying causes of death on state death certificates. Proportionate differences in ages at death, deaths from cancer, and deaths from site-specific cancers were analyzed for statistically significant differences by unpaired, two-tailed t tests for continuous variables and by both proportionate cancer mortality ratios and Yates-corrected chi squares for categorical variables. Orthopedic surgeons died of cancer more often (χ (2) = 7.699, P = 0.006) and at younger (t = 5.53, P < 0.001) ages (mean = 69.4years) than general surgeons (mean = 79.2years). For site-specific cancers, orthopedic surgeons died of esophageal cancer (χ (2) = 4.372, P = 0.037) and myeloproliferative malignancies (χ (2) = 4.369, P = 0.037) more often than general surgeons. Orthopedic surgeons are chronically exposed to MMA and are proportionately more likely to die from cancer, especially esophageal and myeloproliferative cancers, than general surgeons. MMA-exposed healthcare workers may be at increased risks of untimely deaths from site-specific malignancies.

Sequential Comparison of the Proportionate Mortality Ratio for an Ongoing Study of Mortality in an Occupational Cohort

Potential adverse health effects associated with occupational exposure to acrylonitrile have been studied since a report of increased lung cancer incidence among DuPont fiber production workers in 1980. Six investigations have been conducted for the cohort through 2002. At each iteration, standardized mortality ratios (SMR) taking into account age and period characteristics have been reported. The objective of this study is to apply the proportionate mortality ratio (PMR) and the proportionate cancer mortality ratio (PCMR) to compare serial estimates of respiratory and all malignant cancer mortality risks in a closed cohort. The cohort includes 2,548 male employees from two fiber production facilities operating from 1947 through 1991. Sequential mortality risks have been assessed through the years 1976, 1981, 1991, 1997, and 2002. We calculated the PMR and PCMR from estimates of the SMR for respiratory cancer, malignant cancer, and overall mortality based on two referent populations, the U.S. general population and a regional population of workers from the same company. Compared to the company reference rates, respiratory cancer, malignant cancer, and overall SMR were increased in early analyses (SMR > 1.1 for each mortality category) but decreased over time (SMR < 1.0 for each). PMR and PCMR estimates for cancer mortality were consistent (PMR = 0.98 to 1.05) indicating a non-varying mortality pattern over time. Bias in the overall SMR due to the healthy worker effect resulted in notable upward bias for PMR calculated from SMR based on the U.S. population. We find the PMR to be a useful indicator of temporal variation in mortality patterns for ongoing occupational cohort studies. As the number of deaths increases for an aging cohort, the magnitude and direction of the PMR may be used to compare serial estimates of cause-specific relative mortality risks. SMR estimates can vary within a closed cohort over time and may not be a suitable longitudinal risk indicator. The PMR can be applied to evaluate internal consistency of results as well as the strength of association for sequential investigations of closed cohorts.

Mortality among US employees of a large computer manufacturing company: 1969–2001

BackgroundPrevious studies suggested increased cancer incidence and mortality in workers exposed to solvents and other chemicals in computer manufacturing jobs. Most previous studies were of small cohorts and findings were inconsistent. A lawsuit involving a large U.S. company produced a data file for analysis. This study sought to elucidate patterns of mortality in workers who were engaged manufacturing computers and related electronic components in the largest database available to date.MethodsA proportional mortality and proportional cancer mortality analysis of deaths in eligible workers between 1969 and 2001 was carried out, with U.S. population mortality data as the standard for comparison. Mortality and work history data was from corporate mortality and work history files produced during litigation and standard U.S. and state mortality files. The study base comprised 31,941 decedents who died between 1969 and 2001, who had worked for at least five years and whose death information was collected in the corporate mortality file. Proportional mortality ratios (PMRs) and Proportional Cancer Mortality Ratios (PCMRs) and their 95% confidence intervals were computed for 66 causes of death in males and females.ResultsPMRs for all cancers combined were elevated in males (PMR = 107; 95% CI = 105–109) and females (PMR = 115; 95% CI = 110–119); several specific cancers and other causes of death were also significantly elevated in both males and females. There were reduced deaths due to non-malignant respiratory disease in males and females and heart disease in females; several specific cancers and other causes of death were significantly reduced in both males and females. Proportional cancer mortality ratios (PCMRs) for brain and central nervous system cancer were elevated (PCMR = 166; 95% CI = 129–213), kidney cancer (PCMR = 162; 95% CI = 124–212), melanoma of skin (PCMR = 179; 95% CI = 131–244) and pancreatic cancer (PCMR = 126; 95% CI = 101–157) were significantly elevated in male manufacturing workers. Kidney cancer (PCMR = 212; 95% CI = 116–387) and cancer of all lymphatic and hematopoietic tissue (PCMR = 162; 95% CI = 121–218) were significantly elevated in female manufacturing workers.ConclusionMortality was elevated due to specific cancers and among workers more likely to be exposed to solvents and other chemical exposures in manufacturing operations. Due to lack of individual exposure information, no conclusions are made about associations with any particular agent.

Proportionate mortality of Italian soccer players: Is amyotrophic lateral sclerosis an occupational disease?

The objective of the study is to investigate the mortality experience of Italian soccer players and to discuss the findings in the light of possible long term effects of doping. Standardized proportionate mortality ratio (SPMR) and standardized proportionate cancer mortality ratio (SPCMR) were computed for 350 deceased subjects deriving from a list of about 24,000 active Italian soccer players from 1960 to 1996 in the three top leagues (A, B and C). When considering SPMRs, there is a substantial adherence of observed to expected mortality, with the only exception of mortality for diseases of the nervous system (13 obs. vs. 6 exp.) mainly explained by an excess of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (8 obs. vs 0.69 exp.). As far as SPCMRs are concerned, some digestive cancers (namely: colon cancer, liver cancer and pancreas cancer) show a doubled risk. A high risk for amyotrophic lateral sclerosis is observed among Italian soccer players. Epidemiological data on association between sport and Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS) are contrasting. On the basis of the overall available evidence we suggest a possible connection between dietary supplements or drugs used to enhance sporting performance and ALS pathogenesis. Further epidemiological studies are needed to confirm these specific mortality risks among soccer players.

Mortality among unionized construction plasterers and cement masons.

Plasterers perform a variety of duties including interior and exterior plastering of drywall, cement, stucco, and stone imitation; the preparation, installation, and repair of all interior and exterior insulation systems; and the fireproofing of steel beams and columns. Some of the current potential toxic exposures among plasterers include plaster of Paris, silica, fiberglass, talc, and 1,1,1-trichloroethylene; asbestos had been used by the plasterers in the past. Cement masons, on the other hand, are involved in concrete construction of buildings, bridges, curbs and gutters, sidewalks, highways, streets and roads, floors and pavements and the finishing of same, when necessary, by sandblasting or any other method. Exposures include cement dust, silica, asphalt, and various solvents. Proportionate mortality ratios (PMRs) and proportionate cancer mortality ratios (PCMRs) were calculated for 99 causes of death among 12,873 members of the Operative Plasterers' and Cement Masons' International Association who died between 1972 and 1996 using United States age-, race-, and calender-specific death rates. Statistical significance (P value) of results was based upon the Poisson distribution. Among plasterers, statistically significant elevated mortality was observed for asbestosis, where the PMR reached 1,657 (P < 0.01) with eleven observed deaths and less than one death expected, for lung cancer (PCMR = 124, P < 0.01), and for benign neoplasms (PMR = 210, P < 0.05). Among cement masons, statistically significant elevated mortality was observed for cancer of the stomach (PCMR = 133, P < 0.01), benign neoplasms (PMR = 132, P < 0.01), and poisonings (PMR = 159, P < 0.05). Except for poisonings, which were not thought to be occupationally related, all of the statistically significant results occurred among those members who entered the union prior to 1950. However, the risk for lung cancer among plasterers was still elevated among those entering the union after 1970 as was the risk for stomach cancer among cement masons who entered the union after 1950. The present study suggests that plasterers and cement masons still have elevated risks for certain diseases, especially lung and stomach cancer. Therefore, union members currently living should be screened for asbestos-related diseases and educated about the future risks for these diseases.

Mortality among unionized construction plasterers and cement masons

Background Plasterers perform a variety of duties including interior and exterior plastering of drywall, cement, stucco, and stone imitation; the preparation, installation, and repair of all interior and exterior insulation systems; and the fireproofing of steel beams and columns. Some of the current potential toxic exposures among plasterers include plaster of Paris, silica, fiberglass, talc, and 1,1,1-trichloroethylene; asbestos had been used by the plasterers in the past. Cement masons, on the other hand, are involved in concrete construction of buildings, bridges, curbs and gutters, sidewalks, highways, streets and roads, floors and pavements and the finishing of same, when necessary, by sandblasting or any other method. Exposures include cement dust, silica, asphalt, and various solvents. Methods Proportionate mortality ratios (PMRs) and proportionate cancer mortality ratios (PCMRs) were calculated for 99 causes of death among 12,873 members of the Operative Plasterers' and Cement Masons' International Association who died between 1972 and 1996 using United States age-, race-, and calender-specific death rates. Statistical significance (P value) of results was based upon the Poisson distribution. Results Among plasterers, statistically significant elevated mortality was observed for asbestosis, where the PMR reached 1,657 (P < 0.01) with eleven observed deaths and less than one death expected, for lung cancer (PCMR = 124, P < 0.01), and for benign neoplasms (PMR = 210, P < 0.05). Among cement masons, statistically significant elevated mortality was observed for cancer of the stomach (PCMR = 133, P < 0.01), benign neoplasms (PMR = 132, P < 0.01), and poisonings (PMR = 159, P < 0.05). Except for poisonings, which were not thought to be occupationally related, all of the statistically significant results occurred among those members who entered the union prior to 1950. However, the risk for lung cancer among plasterers was still elevated among those entering the union after 1970 as was the risk for stomach cancer among cement masons who entered the union after 1950. Conclusions The present study suggests that plasterers and cement masons still have elevated risks for certain diseases, especially lung and stomach cancer. Therefore, union members currently living should be screened for asbestos-related diseases and educated about the future risks for these diseases. Am. J. Ind. Med. 39:373–388, 2001. Published 2001 Wiley-Liss, Inc.

Risk of mesothelioma from exposure to crocidolite asbestos: a 1995 update of a South African mortality study

OBJECTIVETo find the risk of developing mesothelioma in a cohort born in 1916–36 in Prieska, Northern Cape Province, South Africa.METHODSA birth cohort mortality study was carried out in a small...

Cancer mortality in women with probable exposure to silica: A death certificate study in 24 states of the U.S.

Background: Silica exposure is known to cause an increased risk of pneumoconiosis and some types of cancers. Exposure to silica is becoming an increasingly common occupational hazard for women. Studies contradict each other on whether or not women suffer more occupational pneumoconiosis than men, but no studies have evaluated cancer risks among women exposed to silica. Methods: Death certificate data on occupation and industry from 24 states in the U.S. between 1984 and 1993 were used to calculate proportional mortality ratios (PMRs) for workers exposed to silica. Results: Over 20,000 deaths (4% of all deaths in persons with possible work-related silica-exposure) occurred among women. The PMR for pneumoconiosis among women working in occupations or industries with possible silica exposure was 13.6 (95% CI: 7.2–23.2), for men 3.8 (CI: 3.7–4.0). Both men and women had higher than expected PMRs for respiratory diseases, lung and esophageal cancers, and external causes of death. In the group with probable silica exposure (both occupation and industry associated with silica), women had elevated PMRs for thyroid cancer (PMR = 5.5), multiple myeloma (PMR = 1.3), digestive organ cancers (PMR = 1.2), whereas men had no increased PMRs for these cancers. Both genders had significantly decreased PMRs for breast cancer, cerebrovascular diseases, nervous system diseases, and brain and other central nervous system cancers. Conclusions: An in depth look at the types of silica exposures (specific work duties) and adjustment for confounders is warranted to determine the importance of these gender-specific excess mortalities associated with possible silica exposure. Am. J. Ind. Med. 36:122–128, 1999. Published 1999 Wiley–Liss, Inc.

Cancer mortality in health and science technicians

Nearly one million U.S. women are employed as health or science technicians with various chemical and biological exposures, but few studies have looked at their health outcomes. Using 1984-1995 mortality data with coded occupation information, we calculated race- and age-adjusted proportionate cancer mortality ratios (PCMRs) and 95% confidence intervals for two age groups for black and white women with occupations of clinical laboratory (CLT), radiologic, and science technician. For CLTs, the PCMRs for breast cancer were borderline significantly elevated. The PCMRs for leukemia were significantly elevated, particularly for myeloid leukemia. Radiologic technicians had no significantly elevated PCMRs. Science technicians had significantly elevated PCMRs for non-Hodgkin's lymphoma and multiple myeloma in the younger age group. The elevated risks for lymphatic and hematopoietic neoplasms in CLTs and science technicians may be associated with occupational exposures.

Are the children of fathers whose jobs involve contact with many people at an increased risk of leukaemia?

OBJECTIVES: To investigate the hypothesis that children of men whose jobs involve contact with many people (particularly children) are at an increased risk of leukaemia. METHODS: A population based dataset...

Cancer mortality in health and science technicians

Background Nearly one million U.S. women are employed as health or science technicians with various chemical and biological exposures, but few studies have looked at their health outcomes. Methods Using 1984–1995 mortality data with coded occupation information, we calculated race- and age-adjusted proportionate cancer mortality ratios (PCMRs) and 95% confidence intervals for two age groups for black and white women with occupations of clinical laboratory (CLT), radiologic, and science technician. Results For CLTs, the PCMRs for breast cancer were borderline significantly elevated. The PCMRs for leukemia were significantly elevated, particularly for myeloid leukemia. Radiologic technicians had no significantly elevated PCMRs. Science technicians had significantly elevated PCMRs for non-Hodgkin's lymphoma and multiple myeloma in the younger age group. Discussion The elevated risks for lymphatic and hematopoietic neoplasms in CLTs and science technicians may be associated with occupational exposures. Am. J. Ind. Med. 36:155–158, 1999. Published 1999 Wiley–Liss, Inc.

Cancer mortality in women with probable exposure to silica: a death certificate study in 24 states of the U.S.

Silica exposure is known to cause an increased risk of pneumoconiosis and some types of cancers. Exposure to silica is becoming an increasingly common occupational hazard for women. Studies contradict each other on whether or not women suffer more occupational pneumoconiosis than men, but no studies have evaluated cancer risks among women exposed to silica. Death certificate data on occupation and industry from 24 states in the U.S. between 1984 and 1993 were used to calculate proportional mortality ratios (PMRs) for workers exposed to silica. Over 20,000 deaths (4% of all deaths in persons with possible work-related silica-exposure) occurred among women. The PMR for pneumoconiosis among women working in occupations or industries with possible silica exposure was 13.6 (95% CI: 7.2-23.2), for men 3.8 (CI: 3.7-4.0). Both men and women had higher than expected PMRs for respiratory diseases, lung and esophageal cancers, and external causes of death. In the group with probable silica exposure (both occupation and industry associated with silica), women had elevated PMRs for thyroid cancer (PMR = 5.5), multiple myeloma (PMR = 1.3), digestive organ cancers (PMR = 1.2), whereas men had no increased PMRs for these cancers. Both genders had significantly decreased PMRs for breast cancer, cerebrovascular diseases, nervous system diseases, and brain and other central nervous system cancers. An in depth look at the types of silica exposures (specific work duties) and adjustment for confounders is warranted to determine the importance of these gender-specific excess mortalities associated with possible silica exposure.

Cancer mortality among women employed in fast-growing U.S. occupations.

Our study examined cancer mortality before the age of 65 for women employed in the fastest growing and/or traditionally female occupations. Analysis of mortality data from 28 U.S. states for 1984-1995 revealed elevated proportionate cancer mortality ratios (PCMRs). The highest PCMRs observed were thyroid cancer among health aides, lymphatic and multiple myeloma among computer programmers, and brain cancer among actresses and directresses. Some of the excess mortality occurred for occupations that have been previously cited. These included elevated breast and ovarian cancer among teachers, Hodgkin's disease among hairdressers and cosmetologists, and thyroid cancer among health aides and therapists. A few of the associations were new, i.e., had not been previously observed. These included cancer of the connective tissue and lymphatic system among computer programmers, ovarian cancer and leukemia among secretaries, and lymphatic cancer and multiple myeloma among child care workers. These findings should be further investigated with epidemiologic and environmental studies.

Mortality Among North Carolina Construction Workers, 1988-1994

This study evaluated proportionate mortality patterns among all male construction workers in North Carolina who resided and died in North Carolina during the period 1988-1994. Proportionate Mortality Ratios (PMRs) and Proportionate Cancer Mortality Ratios (PCMRs) compared the number of deaths among male construction workers with the number of deaths expected based on the gender, race, and cause-specific mortality experience of the entire North Carolina population by five-year age groups for the same years of study. PMRs based on United States death rates also were calculated. Among all male construction workers, significantly elevated mortality was observed for several causes possibly related to work including malignant neoplasms of buccal cavity (PMR = 143), pharynx (PMR = 134), and lung (PMR = 113), pneumoconiosis (PMR = 111), transportation accidents (PMR = 106), and accidental falls (PMR = 132). Elevated mortality also was observed for causes more related to lifestyle and non-occupational factors including alcoholism (PMR = 145), cirrhosis of the liver (PMR = 129), accidental poisoning (PMR = 136), and homicide (PMR = 141). Patterns of elevated mortality for Whites and Black men were similar and PCMR mortality patterns for Blacks and Whites combined were similar to PMRs. Construction workers were at significantly increased risk for deaths resulting from falls from ladders or scaffolds, falls from or out of buildings or structures, and electrocutions. Construction trades found to have statistically elevated cancer risks include laborers and roofers (buccal cavity), painters (pharynx), laborers (peritoneum), and carpenters, painters, brick masons, and operating engineers (lung). These data are consistent with other reports demonstrating excess mortality from asbestos-related diseases (pneumoconiosis, lung cancer, and mesothelioma) among construction workers. Dry-wall workers and laborers were found to have a statistically elevated risk of death as a result of respiratory tuberculosis.

Mortality Among US Commercial Pilots And Navigators

The airline industry may be an occupational setting with specific health risks. Two environmental agents to which flight crews are known to be exposed are cosmic radiation and magnetic fields generated by the aircraft's electrical system. Other factors to be considered are circadian disruption and conditions specific to air travel, such as noise, vibration, mild hypoxia, reduced atmospheric pressure, low humidity, and air quality. This study investigated mortality among US commercial pilots and navigators, using proportional mortality ratios for cancer and noncancer end points. Proportional cancer mortality ratios and mortality odds ratios were also calculated for comparison to the proportional mortality ratios for cancer causes of death. Results indicated that US pilots and navigators have experienced significantly increased mortality due to cancer of the kidney and renal pelvis, motor neuron disease, and external causes. In addition, increased mortality due to prostate cancer, brain cancer, colon cancer, and cancer of the lip, buccal cavity, and pharynx was suggested. Mortality was significantly decreased for 11 causes. To determine if these health outcomes are related to occupational exposures, it will be necessary to quantify each exposure separately, to study the potential synergy of effects, and to couple this information with disease data on an individual basis.

Proportionate mortality among union members employed at three Texas refineries.

The cause-specific mortality (1940-1993) of 2,985 male workers employed in three oil refineries was examined using a proportionate mortality study design. Separate analyses were undertaken by race, refinery, employment status (active and retired), and time since entry into the Oil, Chemical, and Atomic Workers (OCAW) union. Proportionate cancer mortality ratio (PCMR) analyses also were conducted. Proportionate mortality ratios (PMR) were significantly increased (P < 0.05) for cancers of the lip (PMR = 384), stomach (PMR = 142), unspecified sites of the liver (PMR = 238), pancreas (PMR = 151), connective tissues (PMR = 243), prostate (PMR = 135), eye (PMR = 407), brain (PMR = 181), benign and unspecified neoplasms (PMR = 289), and leukemia (PMR = 175) for the entire cohort. Significantly decreased mortality was observed for respiratory tuberculosis (PMR = 29), esophageal cancer (PMR = 45), rectal cancer (PMR = 49), and cancers of the bladder and other urinary organs (PMR = 40). Skin cancer was observed to be significantly increased (PMR = 242) for workers with less than 20 years since union initiation. Significantly increased PCMRs were seen for cancers of unspecified sites of the liver (PCMR = 205), brain (PCMR = 147), benign and unspecified neoplasms (PCMR = 243), and leukemia (PCMR = 146). Among nonwhites, an increased risk of bone cancer was observed in the PCMR analysis (PCMR = 704), although based on only two deaths. Analyses of mortality patterns for white males by refinery revealed similar patterns in each refinery as was seen in the overall cohort of refinery workers. Mortality patterns for whites and nonwhites also were similar. Additional analyses of deaths between 1960 and 1993 demonstrated increased mortality due to asbestosis (PMR = 683) and multiple myeloma (PMR = 124), although the multiple myeloma excess was not statistically significant. Ten deaths due to mesotheliomas were observed among these refinery workers.

Cancer mortality among laundry and dry cleaning workers.

A cancer mortality study of 8,163 deaths occurring among persons formerly employed as laundering and dry cleaning workers in 28 states is described. Age-adjusted sex-race cause-specific proportionate mortality ratios (PMRs) and proportionate cancer mortality ratios (PCMRs) were computed for 1979 through 1990, using the corresponding 28-state mortality as the comparison. For those aged 15-64 years, there were excesses in black men for total cancer mortality (PMR = 130, 95% confidence interval (CI) = 105-159) and cancer of the esophagus 1 (PMR = 215, 95% CI = 111-376), and in white men for cancer of the larynx (PMR = 318, 95% CI = 117-693). For those aged 65 years and over, there were statistically nonsignificant excesses for cancer of the trachea, bronchus, and lung in black women (PMR = 128, CI = 94-170) and for cancer of other and unspecified female genital organs in white women (PMR = 225, CI = 97-443). The results of this and other studies point to the need for the effective implementation of available control measures to protect laundry and dry cleaning workers.