Cancer among potash workers in Saskatchewan.

Abstract

OBJECTIVE:

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

METHODOLOGY:

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

CASES:

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.

• Authors: Punam Pahwa, Helen H McDuffie
• Journal: Journal of occupational and environmental medicine (J Occup Environ Med) Vol. 50 Issue 9 Pg. 1035-41 (Sep 2008) ISSN: 1536-5948 [Electronic] United States
• PMID: 18784552 (Publication Type: Journal Article)

Chemical References

• Complex Mixtures
• potash

Topics

• Adult
• Complex Mixtures (adverse effects)
• Humans
• International Classification of Diseases
• Male
• Mining
• Neoplasms (classification, epidemiology, etiology)
• Occupational Exposure (adverse effects)
• Risk Factors
• Saskatchewan (epidemiology)