Mesothelioma and employment in massachusetts: analysis of cancer registry data 1988-2003 | Health & Environmental Research Online (HERO)

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Citation
Tags

HERO ID

3541736

Reference Type

Journal Article

Title

Mesothelioma and employment in massachusetts: analysis of cancer registry data 1988-2003

Author(s)

Roelofs, CR; Kernan, GJ; Davis, LK; Clapp, RW; Hunt, PR

Year

2013

Is Peer Reviewed?

Yes

Journal

American Journal of Industrial Medicine
ISSN: 0271-3586
EISSN: 1097-0274

Volume

Issue

Page Numbers

985-992

Language

English

PMID

23788253

DOI

10.1002/ajim.22218

Web of Science Id

WOS:000323106000001

Abstract

BACKGROUND: Cancer registries can be used to monitor mesothelioma cases and to identify occupations and industries previously and newly associated with mesothelioma-causing asbestos exposure by using standard registry data on the "usual" occupation and industry of the case.

METHODS: We used the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health's Standardized Occupational Industry Coding Software to code 564 mesothelioma cases for occupation and 543 for industry of the 1,424 incident mesothelioma in the Massachusetts Cancer Registry from 1988 to 2003. Additionally, we coded the occupation and industry of 80,184 comparison cancer cases (35% of comparison cases in our database). These were used to compute Standardized Morbidity Odds Ratios (SMORs).

RESULTS: Seventeen occupations and 11 industries had statistically significant elevated SMORs for mesothelioma. Occupations and industries historically associated with mesothelioma remained elevated in these results. However, we also found statistically significant elevated SMORs for several occupations and industries for which there was previously weak or no association such as chemical engineers, machine operators, and automobile mechanics and machine manufacturing, railroads, and the U.S. Postal Service.

CONCLUSIONS: Incident cases of mesothelioma do not appear to be declining in Massachusetts, as legacy exposures to asbestos continue to produce cases in individuals involved in shipbuilding and construction. Exposures in occupations and industries not previously associated with mesothelioma also contribute cases. Cancer registries, with improved data collection, should continue to be monitored for mesothelioma cases and asbestos exposures.

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