Proportionate Cancer Mortality Research Articles

How size and genetic diversity shape lifespan across breeds of purebred dogs.

While the lifespan advantage of small body size and mixed breed status has been documented repeatedly, evidence for an effect of genetic diversity across dog breeds is equivocal. We hypothesized that this might be due to a strong right-censoring bias in available breed-specific lifespan estimates where early-dying dogs from birth cohorts that have not died off completely at the time of data collection are sampled disproportionately, especially in breeds with rapidly growing populations. We took advantage of data on owner reported lifespan and cause of death from a large public database to quantify the effect of size and genetic diversity (heterozygosity) on mortality patterns across 118 breeds based on more than 40,000 dogs. After documenting and removing the right-censoring bias from the breed-specific lifespan estimates by including only completed birth cohorts in our analyses, we show that small size and genetic diversity are both linked to a significant increase in mean lifespan across breeds. To better understand the proximate mechanisms underlying these patterns, we then investigated two major mortality causes in dogs - the cumulative pathophysiologies of old age and cancer. Old age lifespan, as well as the percentage of old age mortality, decreased with increasing body size and increased with increasing genetic diversity. The lifespan of dogs dying of cancer followed the same patterns, but while large size significantly increased proportional cancer mortality, we could not detect a significant signal for lowered cancer mortality with increasing diversity. Our findings suggest that outcross programs will be beneficial for breed health and longevity. They also emphasize the need for high-quality mortality data for veterinary epidemiology as well as for developing the dog as a translational model for human geroscience.

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.

A Study on Lung Cancer Mortality Related to Radon, Quartz, and Arsenic Exposures in German Uranium Miners

Between 1946 and 1990 uranium mining was undertaken on a large scale in East Germany. This study evaluates the proportional lung cancer risk of German uranium miners from radon, quartz, and arsenic exposure during mining operations at the WISMUT Corporation. The database of the WISMUT tissue repository and a comprehensive job-exposure matrix were used to compare exposure levels of lung cancer cases with deaths from diseases of the circulatory system for risk analysis. In addition, the ratio of lung cancer cases was compared to cases from diseases of the circulatory system to the corresponding ratio in the general population. The proportional lung cancer mortality of German uranium miners was 2.9-fold higher than in the general population of East Germany. Cumulative radon, quartz, and arsenic exposure were determined as risk factors for lung cancer among German uranium miners, where silicosis modified the risk of cumulative radon and quartz exposure. Silicotics were exposed to higher levels of quartz, radon, and arsenic than nonsilicotics. Because selection of the study population was based on a tissue repository, the results need to be interpreted with caution.

Cancer mortality in IBM Endicott plant workers, 1969–2001: an update on a NY production plant

BackgroundIn response to concerns expressed by workers at a public meeting, we analyzed the mortality experience of workers who were employed at the IBM plant in Endicott, New York and died between 1969–2001. An epidemiologic feasibility assessment indicated potential worker exposure to several known and suspected carcinogens at this plant.MethodsWe used the mortality and work history files produced under a court order and used in a previous mortality analysis. Using publicly available data for the state of New York as a standard of comparison, we conducted proportional cancer mortality (PCMR) analysis.ResultsThe results showed significantly increased mortality due to melanoma (PCMR = 367; 95% CI: 119, 856) and lymphoma (PCMR = 220; 95% CI: 101, 419) in males and modestly increased mortality due to kidney cancer (PCMR = 165; 95% CI: 45, 421) and brain cancer (PCMR = 190; 95% CI: 52, 485) in males and breast cancer (PCMR = 126; 95% CI: 34, 321) in females.ConclusionThese results are similar to results from a previous IBM mortality study and support the need for a full cohort mortality analysis such as the one being planned by the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health.

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.

Proportionate cancer mortality among workers in the Belarussian tanning industry.

The tanning industry involves many occupational exposures. This study evaluates proportionate cancer mortality among workers employed in the Belarussian tanning plant in Minsk. A total of 768 workers with seniority of not less than 6 months who were hired after January 1, 1953 and died before December 31, 2000 was investigated. Proportionate mortality ratios (PMRs) were calculated using the population of Minsk to generate expected numbers. Among women employed in the tannery, there was a significant excess of pancreatic cancer, based on eight deaths (expected = 2.56, PMR = 3.13, 95% CI = 1.35-6.17). Six of the eight pancreatic cancer deaths occurred among women occupied in dyeing-stuffing workshops (expected = 1.64, PMR = 3.67, 95% CI = 1.34-7.97), all among workers hired between 1962 and 1984 (expected = 1.06, PMR = 6.54, 95% CI = 2.6-13.4). Women in this tanning industry cohort experienced excess mortality of cancer of the pancreas, with suggested increases of corpus and cervix uteri, melanoma, and kidney cancers. For men, an insignificant increase in PMR of oral cavity-pharynx and pancreatic cancers was seen. Further prospective follow-up of living members of this cohort, will allow more in-depth analysis of rare cancer sites, latency, and duration of employment, and is warranted.

Proportionate mortality among US migrant and seasonal farmworkers in twenty-four states.

US migrant and seasonal farmworkers may be exposed to potentially carcinogenic pesticides and other agents. Little epidemiologic research has been conducted on this population. We examined the proportionate mortality of 26,148 subjects (14,631 white men (WM), 7,299 nonwhite men (NM), 1,081 white women (WW), and 3,137 nonwhite women (NW)) who were identified as farmworkers on death certificates from 24 US states during 1984-1993. Farmworkers had significantly elevated proportionate mortality from injuries, tuberculosis, mental disorders, cerebrovascular disease, respiratory diseases, ulcers, hypertension (NW), and cirrhosis (NW). There was significantly reduced mortality from infectious diseases (other than tuberculosis), endocrine disorders, nervous system diseases, pneumoconioses, arteriosclerotic heart disease (WM), and all cancers combined. Proportionate cancer mortality analyses found excess cancers of the buccal cavity, larynx, esophagus, stomach, skin (NW), and cervix, and deficits for cancers of the colon, breast, kidney, pancreas (NW), and lymphohematopoietic system. The excess deaths from injuries, respiratory disease, and stomach cancer, and the deficits of colon cancer and arteriosclerotic heart disease among farmworkers, are consistent with typical mortality patterns previously observed among farm owner/operators. The excess buccal, laryngeal, esophageal, and cervical cancers, and the deficits of breast cancer and lymphohematopoietic cancers have not generally been observed in studies of farm owner/operators.

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 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.

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.

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 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.