Cancers related to exposure to arsenic at a copper smelter. Issue 1 (January 1995)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Enterline, P E; Day, R; Marsh, G M
• Is Part Of: Occupational and environmental medicine. Volume 52:Issue 1(1995)
• Page Start: 28
• Page End: 32
• Publication Date: 1995-01
• Subjects: Medicine, Industrial -- Periodicals; Environmental health -- Periodicals; 616.980305
• DOI: 10.1136/oem.52.1.28
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1351-0711

Abstract

Abstract : OBJECTIVE--This is an update of an earlier study on the relation between exposure to arsenic in air and deaths from respiratory cancer. The purpose was to verify earlier findings of a supralinear dose response relation and to examine relations with other cancers, particularly those reported in studies on drinking water. METHODS--An earlier study of 2802 men who worked at a copper smelter for a year or more during the period 1940-64 and who were followed up for deaths during the period 1941-76 was updated until 1986. Estimates of exposure for the period 1977-1984 were added. RESULTS AND CONCLUSIONS--The additional follow up confirms the earlier finding that at low doses the increments in death rates for respiratory cancer for a given increment in dose are greater than at high doses. The additional follow up also shows significant increases in cancer of the large intestine and bone, and SMRs > 150 for cancer of the buccal cavity and pharynx, rectal cancer, and kidney cancer. There was a positive relation between exposure to arsenic in air and kidney and bone cancer, but none for the other cancers, except respiratory.