Abstract | OBJECTIVES: METHODS: The cohort comprised 14730 men employed for the first time in 1933-1990 and for at least 6 months in 1 of 12 plants. The duration of work in specific departments and exposure to amorphous silica in the ferrosilicon/ silicon- metal (FeSi/Si-met) plants, estimated from a job-exposure matrix, were the main exposure variables. Deaths were observed during 1962-1990. The mortality was analyzed with the use of standardized mortality ratios (SMR) and internal comparisons of rates. RESULTS: Overall mortality from nonmalignant respiratory diseases was not increased, but mortality from bronchitis, emphysema, and asthma combined was significantly increased among the men with at least 3 years of FeSi/Si-met furnace work (SMR 1.82, 16 deaths). A Poisson regression analysis of the mortality from these causes among 6359 employees in the FeSi/Si-met plants showed a significant increase of 0.06 per unit of amorphous silica exposure observed 10-20 years after the exposure. Six men died of pneumonia while still employed in a ferromanganese/silicomanganese (FeMn/SiMn) plant. No corresponding deaths occurred among employees in FeSi/Si-met plants. Only 2 deaths from pneumoconiosis were observed in the total cohort. CONCLUSIONS: Among employees in FeSi/Si-met plants increased mortality from bronchitis, emphysema, and asthma may be associated with previous exposure to amorphous silica. Deaths from pneumonia among FeMn/SiMn workers may be associated with manganese exposure.
|
Authors | A Hobbesland, H Kjuus, D S Thelle |
Journal | Scandinavian journal of work, environment & health
(Scand J Work Environ Health)
Vol. 23
Issue 5
Pg. 342-50
(Oct 1997)
ISSN: 0355-3140 [Print] Finland |
PMID | 9403464
(Publication Type: Journal Article, Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't)
|
Chemical References |
- Alloys
- Iron Compounds
- Silicon Compounds
- ferro-manganese alloy
- Manganese
- ferrosilicon
- Iron
|
Topics |
- Adult
- Aged
- Aged, 80 and over
- Alloys
(adverse effects)
- Bronchitis
(etiology, mortality)
- Cause of Death
- Cohort Studies
- Follow-Up Studies
- Humans
- Iron
(adverse effects)
- Iron Compounds
(adverse effects)
- Lung Diseases
(etiology, mortality)
- Manganese
(adverse effects)
- Middle Aged
- Norway
(epidemiology)
- Occupational Diseases
(etiology, mortality)
- Occupational Exposure
(adverse effects)
- Respiratory Tract Diseases
(etiology, mortality)
- Risk Factors
- Silicon Compounds
(adverse effects)
- Silicosis
(etiology, mortality)
|