Cancer and other causes of death among Wisconsin farmers

Computerized mortality listings for Wisconsin for 1968-1976 were used in proportional mortality ratio (PMR) and proportional cancer mortality ratio (PCMR) analyses to evaluate mortality patterns among Wisconsin farmers. Examination of PCMR trends by per capita county level of agricultural production was limited to the youngest birth cohort (1905-1958) and cancer sites associated with farming exposures in either the present or previous analyses. Among all Wisconsin farmers, significantly decreased PMRs were seen for tobacco- and alcohol-related causes of death, while excesses occurred for accidental causes, asthma, and cancer of the stomach, prostate, eye, and lymphatic and hematopoietic systems. Elevated PCMR's for leukemia and all lymphopoietic cancer and cancers of the stomach, rectum, eye occurred in farmers born 1905-1958, while deficits were observed for cancer of the pancreas and the category, "all other cancers." Increases in PCMR's with level of various agricultural activities were largely associated with cancers of other lymphatic tissue (2/3 of which were multiple myeloma) and the rectum. Certain agricultural exposures were also positively associated with deaths due to cancers of the prostate, brain, lymphosarcoma and reticulosarcoma, and all lymphopoietic cancers. No positive PCMR gradients were observed for leukemia and malignancies of the stomach and eye. Modern chemical practices in farming may account for some of the patterns noted.     

Cancer mortality in women with probable exposure to silica: a death certificate study in 24 states of the U.S.

BACKGROUND: Silica exposure is known to cause an increased risk of pneumoconiosis and some types of cancers. Exposure to silica is becoming an increasingly common occupational hazard for women. Studies contradict each other on whether or not women suffer more occupational pneumoconiosis than men, but no studies have evaluated cancer risks among women exposed to silica. METHODS: Death certificate data on occupation and industry from 24 states in the U.S. between 1984 and 1993 were used to calculate proportional mortality ratios (PMRs) for workers exposed to silica. RESULTS: Over 20,000 deaths (4% of all deaths in persons with possible work-related silica-exposure) occurred among women. The PMR for pneumoconiosis among women working in occupations or industries with possible silica exposure was 13.6 (95% CI: 7.2-23.2), for men 3.8 (CI: 3.7-4.0). Both men and women had higher than expected PMRs for respiratory diseases, lung and esophageal cancers, and external causes of death. In the group with probable silica exposure (both occupation and industry associated with silica), women had elevated PMRs for thyroid cancer (PMR = 5.5), multiple myeloma (PMR = 1.3), digestive organ cancers (PMR = 1.2), whereas men had no increased PMRs for these cancers. Both genders had significantly decreased PMRs for breast cancer, cerebrovascular diseases, nervous system diseases, and brain and other central nervous system cancers. CONCLUSIONS: An in depth look at the types of silica exposures (specific work duties) and adjustment for confounders is warranted to determine the importance of these gender-specific excess mortalities associated with possible silica exposure.     

Environment/occupation: #49 Mortality among farmers and spouses in the agricultural health study

PURPOSE: In the Agricultural Health Study we evaluated the mortality experience of 52,395 farmers and 32,347 of their spouses in Iowa and North Carolina obtain information on cancer and other chronic disease risks from agricultural exposures and other factors associated with rural lifestyle.METHODS: Standardized mortality ratios (SMRs) adjusted for race, gender, age, and calendar time were computed for the prospective cohort, using the general population in each state as the referent.RESULTS: After an average follow-up of 3.7 years, the SMRs for most causes of death were significantly less than 1.0. Significant deficits were observed for all causes (SMR = 0.5), all cancers combined (SMR = 0.5), and for cancers of the lung (SMR = 0.3), female genital organs (SMR = 0.4), prostate (SMR = 0.6) and bladder (SMR = 0.6), as well as diabetes (SMR = 0.3), cardiovascular disease (SMR = 0.5), and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (SMR = 0.2). Non-significant excesses involving at least 3 deaths occurred for liver cancer (SMR = 2.1), multiple myeloma (SMR = 1.6), leukemia (SMR = 1.4), and Parkinson's disease among spouses (SMR = 2.7. Among farmers elevated SMRs were noted for Hodgkin's disease (SMR = 2.9) and cancer of the thyroid gland (SMR = 2.9), and non-motor vehicle accidents (SMR = 1.1). Soft tissue sarcoma (SMR = 1.1 for spouses; SMR = 1.6 for applicators) was elevated in both groups. NHL had an SMR of 1.0 among applicators and spouses. Stratification by presence of livestock or corn on the farm, farm size, and duration of handling pesticides revealed no obvious mortality differences.CONCLUSION: Despite a very low initial mortality experience compared to the general population, Agricultural Health Study farmers and their spouses appear to have rates for some cancers and chronic diseases that deserve continued monitoring and further scrutiny.     

Assessment of mortality in the construction industry in the United States, 1984–1986

Construction, one of the larger industries in the United States, employs 7.6 million workers, many in skilled trades occupations. Previously published data about potential worksite exposures and mortality of construction site workers are limited. We analyzed occupation and industry codes on death certificates from 19 U.S. states to evaluate mortality risks among men and women usually employed in construction occupations. Proportionate mortality ratios (PMRs) for cancer and several other chronic diseases were significantly elevated among 61,682 white male construction workers who died between 1984 and 1986. Men younger than age 65, who were probably still employed immediately prior to death, had significantly elevated PMRs for cancer, asbestos-related diseases, mental disorders, alcohol-related disease, digestive diseases, falls, poisonings, traumatic fatalities that are usually work-related, and homicides. Elevated PMRs for many of the same causes were observed to a lesser degree for black men and white women whose usual industry was construction. In addition, women experienced excess cancer of the connective tissue and suicide mortality. Various skilled construction trades had elevated PMRs for specific sites, such as bone cancer and melanoma in brickma-sons, stomach cancer in roofers and brickmasons, kidney and bone cancer in concrete/terrazzo finishers, nasal cancer in plumbers, pulmonary tuberculosis in laborers, scrotal cancer and aplastic anemia in electricians, acute myeloid leukemia in boilermakers, rectal cancer and multiple sclerosis in electrical power installers, and lung cancer in structural metal workers. Using a standard population of blue collar workers did not result in fewer elevated PMRs for construction workers. Despite lifestyle differences and other limitations of the study, the large numbers of excess deaths observed in this study indicate the need for preventive action for construction workers. © 1995 Wiley-Liss, Inc.     

Cancer in Iowa farmers: recent results

Previous analysis of Iowa death certificates from 1971 through 1978 identified several cancers with significantly elevated mortality in farmers. Subsequent ecological studies identified farm practices, including pesticide usage, that might be associated with these mortalities. These results led to several case-control studies and a similar analysis of more recent death certificates. 'Usual occupation' has been added to the death certificate tapes for the years 1979-1986. Cancer mortality in Iowa farmers for this period is very similar to that for 1971-1978. Case-control studies for acute lymphocytic leukemia and multiple myeloma indicated that farming in general is not a risk factor for either cancer type. However, exposure to general classes of insecticides and herbicides is associated with an elevated odds ratio in farmers for incidence of multiple myeloma. The odds ratios are not statistically significant at the 5% level, probably due to relatively small numbers of cases and controls exposed to any one class of pesticides.     

Mortality of farmers and farmers'' wives in England and Wales 1979-80, 1982-90.

OBJECTIVES: To examine the mortality patterns of male and female farmers and farmers' wives in England and Wales. METHODS: Information on all deaths in England and Wales at ages 20-74 during the periods 1979-80 and 1982-90 was obtained from the Office of Population Censuses and Surveys. Proportional mortality ratios (PMRs) and proportional cancer mortality ratios (PCMRs) were used to compare the mortality of farmers with that of the general working population, and of farmers' wives with wives of all working men. RESULTS: Farmers and farmers' wives had high mortality from accidents and suicide and from certain respiratory diseases. Mortality from hernia was also raised. Deaths from cancer were generally below expectations, but the PMR for prostatic cancer was 112 (95%CI 106-118). The PMRs and PCMRs for oesophageal cancer were significantly increased in male farmers from two counties where cider is produced. CONCLUSIONS: The occupational hazards of farming continue to be associated with excess mortality, and most of the risks extend also to farmers' wives. Action is needed to reduce deaths, particularly from accidents and suicide.     

Selected cancer mortality and farm practices in Iowa

Death certificate analyses of white male Iowans over age 30 who died of multiple myeloma, non-Hodgkin's lymphoma, prostate cancer or stomach cancer between 1964 and 1978 were completed. Each case was matched to two controls on age (within two years) at death, county of residence, and year of death. Consideration of usual occupation, as recorded on the death certificate, resulted in the following odds ratios for mortality due to the specified cancers among farmers: multiple myeloma, 1.48; non-Hodgkin's lymphoma, 1.26; prostate cancer, 1.19; and stomach cancer, 1.32. Each is statistically significant (p less than 0.05). Odds ratios were computed separately for three birth cohorts according to counties stratified by crop and livestock production. Multiple myeloma was elevated in those born after 1890 and was associated with number of egg-laying chickens, hog production, insecticide use, and herbicide use. Non-Hodgkin's lymphoma was elevated in those born before 1901 and was associated with egg-laying chickens, milk products sold, hog production, and herbicide use. Although prostate cancer was elevated in those born before 1901, it was not associated with any agricultural practice. Stomach cancer was elevated in each birth cohort. It was associated with milk products sold, cattle production, and corn per acre.     

Mortality among female registered nurses and school teachers in British Columbia

The mortality profile of female nurses and teachers in British Columbia (BC) was examined using age-standardized proportional mortality ratios (PMRs) calculated for the period 1950–1984. Lowered overall mortality among nurses was seen for degenerative heart disease and for cerebrovascular accidents. Significantly elevated PMR values were observed for cancer of the breast and ovary in nurses of age 20–65 years. PMRs were significantly elevated for cancer of the pancreas and leukemia among those age 20 years and older. Elevated values were also observed for motor vehicle accidents and suicide among nurses in both age groups. Lower than expected mortality from degenerative heart disease and cerebrovascular accidents was seen in working age teachers (age 20–65 years). However, elevated PMRs were detected for carcinoma of the colon, breast, endometrium, brain, and melanoma. Among those 20 years and over, significantly elevated PMRs were also observed for cancers of the ovary and other digestive organs. Elevated PMRs were found for motor vehicle and aircraft accidents. Mortality from cirrhosis of the liver was lower than anticipated in both teachers and nurses. A number of significant PMRs declined when deaths of “homemakers” were withdrawn from the comparison group used to generate PMR values, suggesting that risk of death from various causes among women working outside the home differ from those seen in women who are predominantly in the home.     

Respiratory Disease in Agricultural Workers: Mortality and Morbidity Statistics

ABSTRACT

To quantify the respiratory disease burden among agricultural workers, we examined the 1988–1998 National Center for Health Statistics (NCHS) “Multiple Cause of Death Data” and the 1988–1994 Third National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey data (NHANES III). Proportionate mortality ratios (PMRs) were determined for 11 respiratory conditions among 6 agricultural groups: crop farm workers, livestock farm workers, farm managers, landscape and horticultural workers, forestry workers, and fishery workers. Prevalence ratios (PRs) were determined for 12 respiratory conditions among 3 agricultural groups: farm workers, farm managers, and other agricultural workers. Disease categories groups were based on the 9th International Classification of Diseases and the agricultural groups on the NCHS or NHANES III industry and occupation codes, respectively. Crop farm workers and livestock farm workers had significantly elevated mortality for several respiratory conditions, with mortality for hypersensitivity pneumonitis being 10 and 50 times higher than expected. Landscape and horticultural workers had significantly elevated mortality for abscess of the lung and mediastinum and chronic airways obstruction. Forestry workers had significantly elevated mortality for pulmonary tuberculosis, chronic airways obstruction, and pneumonia. Prevalence of wheeze was elevated for female farm workers, shortness of breath was elevated for farm workers who had ever smoked, and hay fever was elevated for black, non-Hispanic farm workers. Prevalence of asthma was elevated for other agricultural workers who had ever smoked. Farm workers had a PR of 173 for obstructive respiratory abnormality. Continued improvement in occupational health surveillance systems for agriculture is essential to help guide prevention efforts for respiratory disease.     

Cancer mortality among printing plant workers.

A proportionate cancer mortality study was conducted among employees of the U.S. Government Printing Office. Although limited by small numbers, there was a significantly higher proportion of deaths from multiple myeloma, leukemia, Hodgkin's disease, and colon cancer. The excess deaths from myeloma were confined to white workers in the composing room, where lead is the major occupational exposure, while deaths from leukemia occurred primarily in bindery workers who may have had exposure to benzene. Despite methodologic limitations, these findings are consistent with other epidemiologic and experimental studies suggesting that printers are at higher risk for certain cancers.     

Diesel exhaust exposure and mortality among males in the American Cancer Society prospective study

In 1982, the American Cancer Society enrolled over 1.2 million American men and women in a prospective mortality study of cancer and other causes in relation to different risk factors. The 2-year mortality of 461,981 males aged 40-79 years with known smoking habit has been analyzed in relation to exposure to diesel exhaust (DE) and to employment in selected occupations related to DE exposure. The relative risk (RR) for all causes of death for those exposed was 1.05 (95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.97-1.13). For lung cancer, the RR was 1.18 (95% CI: 0.97-1.44). A dose-response effect was present. Railroad workers, heavy equipment operators, miners, and truck drivers had a higher mortality both for all causes and for lung cancer when compared with subjects with other occupations and no exposure to DE. Truck drivers exposed to DE were not at excess risk of lung cancer if compared with truck drivers unexposed to DE, but a trend of increasing risk with duration of exposure was suggested. DE exposure was also associated with increase in mortality for accidents, cerebrovascular disease, arteriosclerosis, and cirrhosis of the liver. An association based on small numbers was also present for Hodgkin's disease and lymphoid leukemia. No association with chronic non-neoplastic pulmonary diseases or with bladder cancer was found.     

Second cancers in hematologic malignancies (epidemiologic observations from a 20-year period)

INTRODUCTION: The incidence of malignant tumours have increased steadily worldwide. Prior reports indicate that patients with some hematologic malignancies (for example chronic lymphocytic leukemia, non-Hodgkin's lymphoma) may be at increased risk of second neoplasms. AIM: The aim of the authors was to explore the possible association between hematologic malignancies and subsequent solid tumours. PATIENTS, METHODS: Between January 1, 1983 and December 31, 2002, in the county of Szabolcs-Szatmár-Bereg 151 cases with both malignant hematologic diseases and cancers were registered by the authors. In their 60 patients (50 with lymphoid and 10 with myeloid malignancies) the first tumour was the hematologic malignancy. Among these cases the number of second cancers was 64. RESULTS: The most common kind of second tumours was lung cancer. There was a significant connection between lymphoid malignancies and second cancers as compared to myeloid malignancies and subsequent cancers (p < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Analysing the epidemiologic data the authors established the following conclusions: the association of second cancers with hematologic malignancies in most of the cases is not accidental. The age of patients with second cancers seemed to be not too important, but it was of crucial importance in patients with Hodgkin's disease and non-Hodgkin's lymphoma. The role of immunodeficiency in the development of second cancers may be important in patients with Hodgkin's disease, non-Hodgkin's lymphoma and chronic lymphocytic leukemia (the number of second cancers in their patients with multiple myeloma and hairy cell leukemia was too small do draw a conclusion).     

Twenty-three years of hypersensitivity pneumonitis mortality surveillance in the United States

BACKGROUND: There are few population-based studies addressing hypersensitivity pneumonitis (HP) in the United States. The National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) has nationally comprehensive longitudinal mortality data that can contribute to a better understanding of the epidemiology of HP. METHODS: The National Center for Health Statistics multiple cause-of-death data were analyzed for the period 1980-2002. Annual death rate was age-adjusted to the 2000 U.S. standard population. Death rate time-trends were calculated using a linear regression model and geographic distribution of death rates were mapped by state and county. Proportionate mortality ratios (PMRs) by usual industry and occupation adjusted for age, sex, and race, were based on data from 26 states reporting industry and occupation during 1985-1999. RESULTS: Overall age-adjusted death rates increased significantly (P < 0.0001) between 1980 and 2002, from 0.09 to 0.29 per million. Wisconsin had the highest rate at 1.04 per million. Among industries, PMR for HP was significantly high for agricultural production, livestock (PMR, 19.3; 95% CI, 14.0-25.9) and agricultural production, crops (PMR, 4.3; 95% CI, 3.0-6.0). Among occupations, PMR for HP was significantly elevated for farmers, except horticulture (PMR, 8.1; 95% CI, 6.4-10.2). CONCLUSIONS: These findings indicate that agricultural industries are closely associated with HP mortality and preventive strategies are needed to protect workers in these industries.     

Gastrointestinal cancer mortality of workers in occupations with high asbestos exposures

Asbestos, which is a well-known risk factor for lung cancer and malignant mesothelioma, has also been suggested as a gastrointestinal (GI) carcinogen. This study was conducted to assess the relationship between high asbestos exposure occupations and the occurrence of GI cancer. Death certificate data were analyzed from 4,943,566 decedents with information on occupation and industry from 28 states from 1979 through 1990. Elevated proportionate mortality ratios (PMRs) for mesothelioma were used to identify occupations potentially having many workers exposed to asbestos. All PMRs were age-adjusted and sex- and race-specific. The PMRs for GI cancers in white males were then calculated for these occupations after excluding mesothelioma, lung cancer, and non-malignant respiratory disease from all deaths. We identified 15,524 cases of GI cancer in the 12 occupations with elevated PMRs for mesothelioma. When these occupations were combined, the PMRs for esophageal, gastric, and colorectal cancer were significantly elevated at 108 (95% confidence interval = 107–110), 110 (106–113), and 109 (107–110), respectively. Esophageal cancer was elevated in sheet metal workers and mechanical workers. Gastric cancer was elevated in supervisors in production and managers. Colorectal cancer was elevated in mechanical and electrical and electronic engineers. However, high exposure occupations like insulation, construction painter supervisors, plumbers, furnace operators, and construction electricians showed no elevations of GI cancers. In conclusion, this death certificate study supports an association between asbestos exposure and some GI cancer, however the magnitude of this effect is very small. Am. J. Ind. Med. 31:713–718, 1997. © 1997 Wiley-Liss, Inc.     

Mortality in New Zealand workers exposed to phenoxy herbicides and dioxins

Aims: To evaluate mortality in New Zealand phenoxy herbicide producers and sprayers exposed to dioxins. Methods: Phenoxy herbicide producers (n = 1025) and sprayers (n = 703) were followed up from 1 January 1969 and 1 January 1973 respectively to 31 December 2000. A total of 813 producers and 699 sprayers were classified as exposed to dioxin and phenoxy herbicides. Standardised mortality ratios (SMR) were calculated using national mortality rates. Results: At the end of follow up, 164 producers and 91 sprayers had died. Cancer mortality was reduced for sprayers (SMR = 0.82, 95% CI 0.57 to 1.14) and increased in exposed production workers (SMR = 1.24, 95% CI 0.90 to 1.67), especially for synthesis workers (SMR = 1.69), formulation and lab workers (SMR = 1.64), and maintenance/waste treatment/cleaning workers (SMR = 1.46). Lymphohaematopoietic cancer mortality was increased in exposed production workers (SMR = 1.65, 95% CI 0.53 to 3.85), especially for multiple myeloma (SMR = 5.51, 95% CI 1.14 to 16.1). Among sprayers, colon cancer (SMR = 1.94, 95% CI 0.84 to 3.83) showed increased mortality. Conclusions: Results showed 24% non-significant excess cancer mortality in phenoxy herbicide producers, with a significant excess for multiple myeloma. Associations were stronger for those exposed to multiple agents including dioxin during production. Overall cancer mortality was not increased for producers and sprayers mainly handling final technical products, although they were likely to have been exposed to TCDD levels far higher than those currently in the general New Zealand population.     

Patterns of mortality among plumbers and pipefitters

A proportionate mortality ratio (PMR) study was undertaken of 7,121 members and retirees of the United Association of Plumbers and Pipefitters in California who died in 1960-79. The PMR for all malignant neoplasms was 1.24, with a major contribution from lung cancers (PMR = 1.41). Lung cancer PMRs were consistently elevated, through the 20-year study period, across the pipe trades and within different birth cohorts. Sixteen mesothelioma deaths occurred, suggesting asbestos as a risk factor. PMRs for malignancies of the stomach, kidney, brain, and lymphopoietic system were also elevated, especially among plumbers. Chronic rheumatic heart disease, emphysema, liver cirrhosis, and all external causes of death were the major non-cancer causes with significantly elevated PMRs. There were significant deficits in diabetes mellitus, all pneumonia, chronic nephritis, and vascular lesions of the central nervous system (CNS). PMRs for successive birth cohorts among all study subjects revealed decreasing emphysema risk, suggesting previous reduction of a risk factor for this disease. Among plumbers, PMRs for death due to several non-respiratory malignancies showed an increasing trend with recency of birth cohort.     

Risk of lymphatic or haematopoietic cancer mortality with occupational exposure to animals or the public

Background: Occupational exposure to animals or the public could result in exposure to infectious agents, which may play a role in the aetiology of lymphohaematopoietic (LH) cancers. Aims: To conduct a population based, case-control study of death certificate data from 1984 to 1998 in 24 US states in order to evaluate the risk of mortality from LH neoplasms associated with occupational exposure to animals or the public. Methods: Cases were selected as those with an underlying cause of death of non-Hodgkin''s lymphoma (NHL, n = 72 589), Hodgkin''s disease (HD, n = 5479), multiple myeloma (n = 35 857), or leukaemia (n = 68 598); 912 615 controls were randomly selected from all remaining deaths, frequency matched on age, sex, race, and geographic region. Results: Occupational exposure to animals was associated with modest increased risks of mortality from all four LH cancers; these associations varied by region. Occupational exposure to the public was associated with only negligible increased risk with LH cancer outcomes. Occupations involving animal exposure were predominantly agricultural, and the risks associated with employment in the livestock industry exceeded the corresponding risks associated with the crop industry for all outcomes except HD. Conclusions: Increased risks of NHL, HD, multiple myeloma, and leukaemia were associated with occupations that involved animal exposure. Regional differences in risk imply that the risks may be associated with exposure to specific livestock or farming practices. However, these associations may be confounded by other farming related exposures, such as pesticides. Because the use of death certificates to classify occupation may result in misclassification during aetiologically relevant time periods, these hypotheses should be further explored in studies with detailed information on lifetime occupation.     

Occupational, environmental, and life-style factors associated with the risk of hematolymphopoietic malignancies in women.

BACKGROUND: The etiology of lymphomas, leukemias, and multiple myeloma is still largely unknown. The known risk factors (ionizing radiation, solvent exposure, pesticide exposure, immunosuppression) explain only a small proportion of the cases that occur. METHODS: We conducted a multicenter population-based case-control study on hematolymphopoietic malignancies in Italy and interviewed 2,011 women (1,183 cases and 828 controls). RESULTS: There was a suggestion of a positive association between smoking and the risk of non-Hodgkin's lymphoma + chronic lymphocytic leukemia. A slight increased risk of leukemias was observed among women using permanent hair dye. Housewives were at increased risk for leukemia and multiple myeloma. The risk of non-Hodgkin's lymphomas + chronic lymphocytic leukemia, leukemias, multiple myeloma, and Hodgkin's disease increased among women employed as hairdressers and textile workers. Teachers were at increased risk for non-Hodgkin's lymphomas + chronic lymphocytic leukemia, leukemias, and Hodgkin's disease. CONCLUSIONS: These results confirm previous associations and may provide additional clues to some determinants of hematolymphopoietic malignancies in women.     

Use of hair coloring products and the risk of lymphoma, multiple myeloma, and chronic lymphocytic leukemia.

OBJECTIVES. Hair coloring products are widely used and contain components that are mutagenic and carcinogenic. An association between occupational exposure to hair coloring products and hematopoietic cancers has been reported, but the risk for these cancers among users has not been carefully evaluated. METHODS. We conducted a population-based, case-control study with telephone interviews from 385 with telephone interviews from 385 non-Hodgkin's lymphoma cases, 70 Hodgkin's disease cases, 72 multiple myeloma cases, 56 chronic lymphocytic leukemia cases, and 1432 controls. RESULTS. Among women, use was associated with odds ratios of 1.5 for non-Hodgkin's lymphoma, 1.7 for Hodgkin's disease, 1.8 for multiple myeloma, and 1.0 for chronic lymphocytic leukemia. Risk was higher for permanent hair coloring products than for semi- or nonpermanent products, particularly for dark colors. Long duration and early age of first use tended to increase risk, but the patterns were inconsistent. Use was much less common in men and did not significantly increase risk. CONCLUSIONS. The use of hair coloring products appears to increase the risk of non-Hodgkin's lymphoma. Multiple myeloma and Hodgkin's disease were also associated, although based on far fewer subjects. If these results represent a causal association, use of hair coloring products would account for 35% of non-Hodgkin's lymphoma cases in exposed women and 20% in all women.     

Cancer mortality among workers exposed to formaldehyde

Proportionate mortality among workers exposed to formaldehyde was analyzed among employees of a large chemical plant in Western Massachusetts. Twenty-four such decedents, all males, were identified through union records, reports of former coworkers, and a systematic review of obituaries in local newspapers. Work histories were obtained from seniority lists. Race-age-sex-adjusted proportionate mortality ratios (PMRs) were significantly elevated for cancer of the colon based on United States. county, and county cancer mortality proportions (PMR = 702, 424, 333, p ≤ 0.05). as were PMRs for the category buccal and pharyngeal cancer (PMR = 870, 952, 833. p < 0.05). This study provides evidence of formaldehyde's carcinogenicity. These findings are at variance with a previous report of the mortality experience of workers at the same plant from an earlier period.