Proportionate mortality among US shoeworkers, 1966-1977.

Proportionate mortality for various causes was examined among 3,754 decedents (2,144 men, 1,610 women) who had worked in shoe manufacturing plants represented by either of two labor unions in the US. None of the shoeworker deaths were attributed to nasal cancer, whereas 2.2 were expected on the basis of general population data. Mortality from leukemia and cancer of the urinary bladder was not unusual in either sex or either union. However, deaths from cancers of the liver and gallbladder combined were significantly increased among male and female members of one union. Three deaths from mesothelioma were seen among members of this same union. Rectal cancer mortality was higher than expected among men and women in both unions. The findings are at variance with previous reports of high risks of certain cancer sites among shoeworkers. However, results for liver and gallbladder cancer and mesothelioma suggest the possibility that other previously unsuspected hazards may have been present in certain areas of the US shoe industry.