Morbidity and mortality in talc-exposed workers.
Cancer incidence and cause-specific mortality were studied in a male cohort of 94 talc miners and 295 talc millers, exposed to non-asbestiform talc with low quartz content. No excess risk was found compared with national age-specific incidence. Six cases of lung cancer occurred versus 6.49 expected (miners: observed 2, expected 1.27; millers: observed 4, expected 5.22). There were 3 deaths due to non-malignant respiratory disease against 10.9 expected (miners: observed 1, expected 2.5; millers: observed 2, expected 8.4). Mesothelioma, tuberculosis, or pneumoconiosis were not recorded as causes of death. Pneumoconiosis was noted as a contributory cause in three cases (silicosis two, talcosis one). Further follow-up will reduce any potential impact of "healthy worker" selection.
Wergeland
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E
Department of Preventive Medicine, Oslo University, Norway.
Andersen
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A
Baerheim
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A
D002423:Cause of Death; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D006801:Humans; D015994:Incidence; D008175:Lung Neoplasms / Q000401:mortality; D008906:Mining; D009369:Neoplasms / Q000401:mortality*; D009664:Norway / Q000453:epidemiology; D009784:Occupational Diseases / Q000401:mortality*; D011009:Pneumoconiosis / Q000401:mortality; D012307:Risk Factors; D012907:Smoking / Q000401:mortality; D013627:Talc / Q000009:adverse effects*
D013627:Talc