Lung cancer risk among workers exposed to man-made mineral fibers (MMMF) in the Swedish prefabricated house industry.
Mortality and cancer incidence was investigated among 2,807 workers, employed for at least one year before 1972, at 11 Swedish companies manufacturing prefabricated wooden houses. A total of 1,068 workers had been exposed to man-made mineral fibers (MMMF) used for insulation. Mortality was followed from 1969 to 1988 and cancer incidence from 1969 to 1985. Exposure conditions were investigated at all plants. There were 14 deaths from lung cancer in the total cohort, whereas 20.7 would be expected (SMR = 68; 95% CI:37-113), based on regional mortality. After a latency of 20 years of more, two lung cancer cases had occurred among all workers exposed to MMMF, whereas 4.3 would be expected (SMR = 46; 95% CI: 5-168). The exposure levels that have prevailed do not seem to be associated with an increased lung cancer rate, but extended follow-up is necessary for a definitive evaluation.
Gustavsson
P
P
Department of Occupational Medicine, Karolinska Hospital, Stockholm, Sweden.
Plato
N
N
Axelson
O
O
Brage
H N
HN
Hogstedt
C
C
Ringbäck
G
G
Tornling
G
G
Wingren
G
G
D015331:Cohort Studies; D003252:Construction Materials / Q000009:adverse effects* / Q000032:analysis; D006798:Housing; D006801:Humans; D015994:Incidence; D008175:Lung Neoplasms / Q000139:chemically induced / Q000453:epidemiology* / Q000401:mortality; D008297:Male; D008903:Minerals / Q000009:adverse effects* / Q000032:analysis; D009784:Occupational Diseases / Q000139:chemically induced / Q000453:epidemiology* / Q000401:mortality; D016273:Occupational Exposure / Q000032:analysis; D012307:Risk Factors; D013548:Sweden / Q000453:epidemiology
D008903:Minerals