Cancer among potash workers in Saskatchewan.
OBJECTIVE
To investigate what factors contribute to the increased risk of developing cancer among potash mine workers.


METHODS
Data on 1434 male potash workers based on a nested case-control (


METHODS
potash workers whose personal identifiers matched those of an individual registered with the Saskatchewan Cancer Agency, Controls: all other potash workers) study design were analyzed.


RESULTS
An occupational history of farming (RR [95% CI =]: 1.79 [1.26, 2.55]), presence of pleurisy at baseline [1.90 (1.07 to 3.40)], previous hard rock mining experience [1.74 (1.01 to 3.00)], and age statistically significantly elevated the risk of becoming a case. Smoking status was an effect modifier for the relationship between any respiratory disease at baseline and cancer.


CONCLUSIONS
Age; previous occupational history of farming and rock mining; interaction between any respiratory disease and smoking status were positively associated with the development of cancer.
Pahwa
Punam
P
Canadian Institute of Health and Safety in Agriculture, Department of Community Health and Epidemiology, University of Saskatchewan, Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, Canada.
McDuffie
Helen H
HH
D000328:Adult; D045424:Complex Mixtures / Q000009:adverse effects*; D006801:Humans; D038801:International Classification of Diseases; D008297:Male; D008906:Mining; D009369:Neoplasms / Q000145:classification / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000209:etiology*; D016273:Occupational Exposure / Q000009:adverse effects*; D012307:Risk Factors; D012525:Saskatchewan / Q000453:epidemiology
D045424:Complex Mixtures; C518454:potash