Mortality Among Rubber Workers III. Cause-Specific Mortality, 1940-1978

Abstract

Mortality occurring between 1940 and mid-1978 among 29,087 men and women employed in a rubber plant for at least 2 yr is described. Mortality patterns for the period July 1, 1974-July 1, 1978, were compared to previously published findings for Jan. 1, 1940-June 30, 1974. Expected numbers of deaths were based on USA general population mortality data. There were excess deaths from bladder cancer and leukemia among white male union members during both follow-up periods. During recent follow-up of white male union members employed for at least 5 yr there were excesses in deaths from 3 additional cancers: esophageal cancer (11 observed/4.8 expected), biliary and liver cancer (6 observed/3.3 expected) and lymphoma and multiple myeloma (14 observed/5.8 expected). Evidence from other studies of rubber workers suggests that observed excesses in deaths from bladder cancer and leukemia are related to workplace exposures. Occupational exposures etiologically relevant to these diseases may not have been reduced in recent years or sufficient time has not elapsed for such reductions to result in decreased mortality. Further investigation is required to clarify the contribution of occupational factors to observed excesses in deaths from cancers of the esophagus and the biliary passages and liver and from lymphoma and multiple myeloma.