title: Extended followup of a cohort of chromium production workers.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  The current study evaluates the mortality of 2,354 workers first employed at a Baltimore chromate production plant between 1950 and 1974.
  
  
  METHODS
  The National Death Index (NDI Plus) was used to determine vital status and cause of death. Cumulative chromium (VI) exposure and nasal and skin irritation were evaluated as risk factors for lung cancer mortality.
  
  
  RESULTS
  There are 91,186 person-years of observation and 217 lung cancer deaths. Cumulative chromium (VI) exposure, nasal irritation, nasal perforation, nasal ulceration, and other forms of irritation (e.g., skin irritation) were associated with lung cancer mortality.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Cumulative chromium (VI) exposure was a risk factor for lung cancer death. Cancer deaths, other than lung cancer, were not significantly elevated. Irritation may be a possible mechanism for chromium (VI)-induced lung cancer.
authors.affiliation: Gibb Epidemiology Consulting LLC, Arlington, Virginia.
authors.forename: Herman Jones
authors.initials: HJ
authors.lastname: Gibb
authors.affiliation: Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, Maryland.
authors.forename: Peter St John
authors.initials: PS
authors.lastname: Lees
authors.affiliation: Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Milken Institute School of Public Health, George Washington University, Washington, District of Columbia.
authors.forename: Jing
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Wang
authors.affiliation: Gibb Epidemiology Consulting LLC, Arlington, Virginia.|PhD candidate, Milken Institute School of Public Health, George Washington University, Washington, District of Columbia.
authors.forename: Keri
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Grace O'Leary
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D015142:Baltimore / Q000453:epidemiology; D002857:Chromium / Q000633:toxicity*; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006801:Humans; D008175:Lung Neoplasms / Q000139:chemically induced / Q000401:mortality*; D008297:Male; D008669:Metallurgy / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D008875:Middle Aged; D009668:Nose Diseases / Q000139:chemically induced / Q000150:complications; D009784:Occupational Diseases / Q000139:chemically induced / Q000401:mortality*; D016273:Occupational Exposure / Q000009:adverse effects*; D012307:Risk Factors; D012871:Skin Diseases / Q000139:chemically induced / Q000150:complications; D013997:Time Factors
chemical_list: D002857:Chromium
keywords: chromium (III); chromium (VI); irritation; lung cancer; smoking