Lung cancer mortality among chromate production workers

摘要: Aims: To assess mortality in 1997 among 493 former workers of a US chromate production plant employed for at least one year between 1940 and 1972. Methods: Cohort members were followed to 31 December 1997. Standardised ratios (SMRs) calculated selected cause specific categories death including lung cancer. Lung cancer was investigated further by calculation SMRs stratified hire, duration employment, time since cumulative exposure Cr(VI). Results: Including 51 deaths due cancer, 303 occurred. significantly increased all causes combined (SMR = 129), cancers 155), 241). A trend test showed strong relation hexavalent exposure. the highest (⩾1.05 3 -years, SMR 365; ⩾2.70 23 mg/m 463), but not first three groups. Significantly also found hire before 1960, 20 or more years exposed latency years. Conclusions: The finding an risk associated with Cr(VI) is consistent previous reports. Stratified analysis suggests possible threshold effect, as only levels over 1.05 -years. Though published toxicological evidence, this must be interpreted cautiously because data are linear dose response.