Incidence of cancer among Norwegian boiler welders.
OBJECTIVE
The cancer incidence among 2957 boiler welders was investigated. The subjects were registered electrical welders from 1942 to 1981. A subcohort of 606 stainless steel welders was studied separately.


METHODS
The investigation was a historical prospective cohort study based on a national registry. The loss of follow up was 4.9%.


RESULTS
There were 625 deaths (659 expected). There were 269 cancer cases (264 expected). An excess of lung cancer was found; 50 cases v 37.5 expected. There were three cases of pleural mesotheliomas v 1.1 expected. The subcohort of stainless steel welders had six cases of lung cancer v 5.8 expected, and one case of pleural mesothelioma v 0.2 expected.


CONCLUSIONS
The welders in the study were assumed to represent a qualified work force. These welders had a small excess risk of lung cancer. The excess risk did not seem to be associated with stainless steel welding. Smoking and asbestos exposure were potential confounders.
Danielsen
T E
TE
Department of Occupational and Environmental Medicine, Telemark Central Hospital, Skien, Norway.
Langård
S
S
Andersen
A
A
D015331:Cohort Studies; D006801:Humans; D015994:Incidence; D007938:Leukemia / Q000139:chemically induced / Q000453:epidemiology; D008175:Lung Neoplasms / Q000139:chemically induced / Q000453:epidemiology; D008297:Male; D008654:Mesothelioma / Q000139:chemically induced / Q000453:epidemiology; D009369:Neoplasms / Q000139:chemically induced* / Q000453:epidemiology*; D009664:Norway / Q000453:epidemiology; D016273:Occupational Exposure / Q000009:adverse effects*; D010997:Pleural Neoplasms / Q000139:chemically induced / Q000453:epidemiology; D011446:Prospective Studies; D014896:Welding