Mortality From Six Work-Related Cancers Among African Americans and Latinos

UNCG Author/Contributor (non-UNCG co-authors, if there are any, appear on document)
Mark R. Schulz, Assistant Professor (Creator)
Institution
The University of North Carolina at Greensboro (UNCG )
Web Site: http://library.uncg.edu/

Abstract: Background: Ethnic minorities have been omitted from many occupational health studies, despite their substantial contributions to the labor force and documented cases of high exposures in some settings. To describe the occurrence of potentially work-related cancers among African American and Latino Workers, we conducted an epidemiologic study based on death certificate data. Methods: Data were obtained from 21 states during 1985-1992. Directly adjusted proportionate mortality ratios (PMRs) and standardized mortality rate ratios (SRRs) for ages 20-64 years were computed for cancers of the lung, nasal cavity, pleura, and peritoneum, malignant melanoma and leukemia using the mortality data and population counts from the 1990 census. Results: Proportionate mortality was generally low for both groups, but African Americans had higher than expected mortality rates for leukemia and cancers of the lung, nasal cavity, and peritoneum. Industry-specific analyses indicate excess leukemia among African American men in the rubber industry (PMR 2.08, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.29-3.35), Latino men in textile (PMR 2.31, 95% CI 0.81-5.13) and wood industries (PMR 2.03, 95% CI0. 81-5.13), and Latino women in the chemical industry (PMR 2.18, 95% CI 0.59-8.10), among other findings. Excess cancer of the pleura and peritoneum was observed among workers with a variety of usual occupations, consistent with widespread exposure to asbestos. Conclusions: This study demonstrates the utility of surveillance data bases for generating basic epidemiologic information on historically neglected workers. Leads about specific workplace exposure can be followed up in more detailed studies.

Additional Information

Publication
Loomis, D. & Schulz, M. R. (2000). Mortality from six work-related cancers among African-Americans and Latinos. American Journal of Industrial Medicine, 38 (5), 565-575.
Language: English
Date: 2000
Keywords
occupation, industry, cancer, Blacks, Hispanic Americans, occupational diseases, minority groups, epidemiology

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