Mortality among ferrous foundry workers

Am J Ind Med. 1986;10(1):27-43. doi: 10.1002/ajim.4700100105.

Abstract

Mortality analyses were carried out for 278 male hourly workers who were employed for at least 10 years at a gray iron foundry and who died between January 1, 1970 and December 31, 1981. Statistically significant excess proportional mortality due to non-malignant respiratory disease (SPMR = 177), lung cancer (SPMR = 148), and leukemia (SPMR = 284) was found among the 221 white males. Among nonwhite males there was a significant excess in proportional mortality due to circulatory diseases (SPMR = 143). White males in the Finishing classification experienced a significant excess of proportional mortality due to nonmalignant respiratory disease (SPMR = 279) and lung cancer (SPMR = 179). White males in the Core Room classification experienced an excess of proportional mortality due to nonmalignant respiratory disease (SPMR = 321). Case-control studies demonstrated a significant association between nonmalignant respiratory disease and the Finishing classification after controlling for the effects of age, prior occupations in coal mining or foundries, and smoking. A positive but nonsignificant association between lung cancer and Finishing was also found after controlling for age, prior work history, and smoking in case control studies.

Publication types

  • Research Support, U.S. Gov't, P.H.S.

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Cardiovascular Diseases / mortality
  • Emphysema / mortality
  • Humans
  • Iron
  • Leukemia / mortality
  • Lung Diseases / mortality*
  • Lung Neoplasms / mortality
  • Male
  • Metallurgy*
  • Occupational Diseases / mortality*
  • Smoking
  • United States

Substances

  • Iron