Mortality experience in a polyamide-polyester factory.
Chemical workers have become increasingly concerned about the presence of carcinogens in their occupational environment. As a result, a number of studies of excess cancer mortality have been undertaken in groups of workers with well-characterized exposures. This paper reports the results of one such study carried out in a polyamide-polyester factory in France. A retrospective cohort design was chosen to evaluate the effect of exposure to phthalates, nickel catalyzers, and other chemicals in the work environment. Only a slight excess of cancers, marginally related to exposure category yet not significantly related to length of exposure, was found. The cohort, however, was young but stable, and a continued follow-up is therefore both feasible and justifiable, since it is likely to yield important information about the potential hazards associated with the tergal polymer industry.
D002617:Chemical Industry; D005602:France; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D009369:Neoplasms / Q000139:chemically induced / Q000401:mortality*; D009757:Nylons / Q000009:adverse effects*; D009784:Occupational Diseases / Q000139:chemically induced / Q000401:mortality*; D011091:Polyesters / Q000009:adverse effects*; D012189:Retrospective Studies
D009757:Nylons; D011091:Polyesters