P Romundstad1, A Andersen, T Haldorsen. 1. Kreftregisteret, Institute for Population-based Cancer Research, Oslo, Norway. pr@kreftregisteret.no
Abstract
OBJECTIVES: To investigate associations between exposures in the silicon carbide (SiC) industry and mortality from non-malignant diseases. METHODS: Mortality among 2562 men, working in one of three silicon carbide smelters was investigated, giving 52,618 person-years of follow up from 1962 to 1996. Dose-response relations were investigated by internal comparisons using Poisson regression and by stratified standardised mortality ratio (SMR) analyses. RESULTS: Mortality from all causes was significantly raised compared with the Norwegian mortalities among men, SMR=1.12, (95% confidence interval (95% CI) 1.05 to 1.20). An excess mortality from asthma, emphysema, and chronic bronchitis combined was found, SMR=2.21 (95% CI 1.61 to 2.95), increasing from 1.05 in the unexposed category to 2.64 (95% CI 1.44 to 4.43) in the upper category of exposure to total dust. The Poisson regression analysis confirmed the results from the stratified SMR analyses, and suggested that smoking did not act as a confounder. No association was found for circulatory mortality. CONCLUSIONS: There was an increased mortality from asthma, emphysema, and chronic bronchitis combined among SiC workers exposed to dust.
OBJECTIVES: To investigate associations between exposures in the silicon carbide (SiC) industry and mortality from non-malignant diseases. METHODS: Mortality among 2562 men, working in one of three silicon carbide smelters was investigated, giving 52,618 person-years of follow up from 1962 to 1996. Dose-response relations were investigated by internal comparisons using Poisson regression and by stratified standardised mortality ratio (SMR) analyses. RESULTS: Mortality from all causes was significantly raised compared with the Norwegian mortalities among men, SMR=1.12, (95% confidence interval (95% CI) 1.05 to 1.20). An excess mortality from asthma, emphysema, and chronic bronchitis combined was found, SMR=2.21 (95% CI 1.61 to 2.95), increasing from 1.05 in the unexposed category to 2.64 (95% CI 1.44 to 4.43) in the upper category of exposure to total dust. The Poisson regression analysis confirmed the results from the stratified SMR analyses, and suggested that smoking did not act as a confounder. No association was found for circulatory mortality. CONCLUSIONS: There was an increased mortality from asthma, emphysema, and chronic bronchitis combined among SiC workers exposed to dust.
Authors: Philip Harber; Donald P Tashkin; Michael Simmons; Lori Crawford; Eva Hnizdo; John Connett Journal: Am J Respir Crit Care Med Date: 2007-07-12 Impact factor: 21.405
Authors: H Laier Johnsen; V Søyseth; S M Hetland; J Saltyte Benth; J Kongerud Journal: Int Arch Occup Environ Health Date: 2007-08-11 Impact factor: 3.015