Mortality among workers exposed to coal tar pitch volatiles and welding emissions: an exercise in epidemiologic triage

Journal Article · Fri Nov 01 04:00:00 EST 1985 · Am. J. Public Health; (United States)

DOI:https://doi.org/10.2105/AJPH.75.11.1283· OSTI ID:6146760

Silverstein, M; Maizlish, N; Park, R; Mirer, F

The United Automobile Workers International Union has established a system of epidemiologic triage to evaluate patterns of mortality among groups of union members. In response to worker concerns, the Union examined mortality at a metal stamping plant, using a method which linked pension records with the State of Michigan computerized death registry. The observed proportion of malignant neoplasms was nearly twice that expected. Two- to five-fold excess proportional mortality from cancer of the digestive organs, lung cancer, and leukemia accounted for most of the overall excess. Strong associations were found between lung and digestive organ cancer and employment as maintenance welders or millwrights in the plant. High levels of six polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons with mutagenic and carcinogenic properties were found during hot coal tar application to wood block floors, work conducted by the high-risk groups. These levels were substantially reduced following the purchase of new tar pots. The example demonstrates that epidemiologic tools can play a valuable role in occupational health decision making, but care must be taken to avoid mechanical reliance on quantitative testing and to acknowledge the important role of social and political value judgments in the establishment of responsible public policy.

• Research Organization: United Automobile Workers, Detroit, MI
• OSTI ID: 6146760
• Journal Information: Am. J. Public Health; (United States), Journal Name: Am. J. Public Health; (United States) Vol. 11; ISSN AJHEA
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

01 COAL, LIGNITE, AND PEAT
016000* -- Coal
Lignite
& Peat-- Health & Safety
AROMATICS
BODY
COAL TAR
DECISION MAKING
DIGESTIVE SYSTEM
DISEASES
EPIDEMIOLOGY
FABRICATION
FEDERAL REGION V
HAZARDS
HEALTH HAZARDS
HEMIC DISEASES
HYDROCARBONS
JOINING
LEUKEMIA
LUNGS
MATTER
MICHIGAN
MORTALITY
NEOPLASMS
NORTH AMERICA
OCCUPATIONAL DISEASES
OCCUPATIONS
ORGANIC COMPOUNDS
ORGANS
OTHER ORGANIC COMPOUNDS
PERSONNEL
POLYCYCLIC AROMATIC HYDROCARBONS
RESPIRATORY SYSTEM
TAR
USA
VOLATILE MATTER
WELDING