Long-term mortality profile of heavily-exposed lead smelter workers

J Occup Med. 1982 May;24(5):375-8. doi: 10.1097/00043764-198205000-00008.

Abstract

Of 241 male smelter workers diagnosed as having lead poisoning during 1928 to 1959, 140 are known to have subsequently died. Their cause-of-death profile has been compared with that of 695 other male decedents (predominantly nonoffice production workers) from the same smelter and with that of the Australian male population. Age-standardized proportional mortality analysis shows a substantial excess in the numbers of deaths from chronic renal disease and cerebral hemorrhage, particularly prior to 1965. A moderate excess was also apparent for the other smelter workers. In recent years, these mortality excesses in lead-exposed workers have largely dissipated.

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Aged
  • Australia
  • Cerebral Hemorrhage / mortality
  • Cerebrovascular Disorders / mortality
  • Coronary Disease / mortality
  • Humans
  • Lead Poisoning / mortality*
  • Male
  • Metallurgy
  • Middle Aged
  • Nephritis / mortality
  • Occupational Diseases / mortality*
  • Time Factors