Cancer mortality in female and male dry-cleaning workers.
A cohort study of dry-cleaning workers (1109 women, 592 men) in the mid-1980s revealed significant excess bladder cancer mortality. This article updates vital status through 1990. Significant excesses were seen for bladder cancer (nine deaths, standardized mortality ratio [SMR] = 2.54, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 1.16-4.82), esophageal cancer (10 deaths, SMR = 2.14, 95% CI = 1.02-3.94), and intestinal cancer (26 deaths, SMR = 1.56, 95% CI = 1.02-2.29). In a subcohort exposed only to perchloroethylene (PCE), those with 5 or more years of employment and 20 or more years since first exposure had a significant increased risk of esophageal cancer (four deaths, SMR = 7.17, 95% CI = 1.92-19.82). Women had significant excess esophageal cancer (five deaths, SMR = 3.24, 95% CI = 1.05-7.58) and elevated SMRs for intestinal, pancreatic, and bladder cancer mortality. This study confirms the esophageal cancer risk among dry-cleaning workers seen in another study and suggests an association with PCE. It further documents the risks for intestinal, pancreatic, and bladder cancers in this industry.
Ruder
A M
AM
National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health, Cincinnati, Ohio 45226.
Ward
E M
EM
Brown
D P
DP
D002423:Cause of Death; D015331:Cohort Studies; D004938:Esophageal Neoplasms / Q000401:mortality; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007414:Intestinal Neoplasms / Q000401:mortality; D007846:Laundering; D008297:Male; D009369:Neoplasms / Q000139:chemically induced / Q000401:mortality*; D009784:Occupational Diseases / Q000139:chemically induced / Q000401:mortality*; D010190:Pancreatic Neoplasms / Q000401:mortality; D013750:Tetrachloroethylene / Q000009:adverse effects; D014481:United States / Q000453:epidemiology; D001749:Urinary Bladder Neoplasms / Q000139:chemically induced / Q000401:mortality*; D014931:Women, Working
D013750:Tetrachloroethylene