A 30-year mortality and respiratory morbidity study of refractory ceramic fiber workers. 2017

Grace LeMasters, and James E Lockey, and Timothy J Hilbert, and Linda S Levin, and Jeff W Burkle, and Ralph Shipley, and Charles Perme, and Cristopher A Meyer, and Carol H Rice
a Department of Environmental Health , University of Cincinnati College of Medicine , Cincinnati , OH , USA.

Report mortality (n = 1119), cancer incidence (n = 1207) and radiographic (n = 1451) findings from a 30-year investigation of current and former refractory ceramic fiber (RCF) workers. Cause of death, health and work histories, radiographs and spirometry were collected. Mortality and cancer incidence were analyzed. Logistic regression analysis investigated the associations of latency and cumulative fiber exposure (CFE) on radiographic changes. The mortality study showed no increase in standardized mortality rates (SMR) for lung cancer, but urinary cancers were significantly elevated in the higher exposed group (SMR = 3.62, 95% CI: 1.33-7.88) and leukemia in the total cohort (SMR = 2.51, 95% CI: 1.08-4.94). One death attributed to mesothelioma was identified (SMR = 2.86, 95% CI: 0.07-15.93) in a worker reporting some asbestos exposure. The overall rate of pleural changes was 6.1%, attaining 21.4% in the highest CFE category for all subjects (adjusted odds ratio (aOR) = 6.9, 95% CI: 3.6-13.4), and 13.0% for those with no reported asbestos exposure (OR= 9.1, 95% CI: 2.5-33.6). Prevalence for recent hires (≥1985) was similar to the background. Interstitial changes were not elevated. Localized pleural thickening was associated with small decreases in spirometry results. Increases in leukemia and urinary cancer but not lung cancer mortality were found. One death attributed to mesothelioma was observed in a worker with self-reported asbestos exposure and a work history where occupational asbestos exposure may have occurred, rendering uncertainties in assigning causation. Radiographic analyses indicated RCF exposure alone is associated with increased pleural but not interstitial changes. Reductions in RCF exposure should continue. The mortality study is ongoing.

UI MeSH Term Description Entries
D007616 Kaolin The most common mineral of a group of hydrated aluminum silicates, approximately H2Al2Si2O8-H2O. It is prepared for pharmaceutical and medicinal purposes by levigating with water to remove sand, etc. (From Merck Index, 11th ed) The name is derived from Kao-ling (Chinese: "high ridge"), the original site. (From Grant & Hackh's Chemical Dictionary, 5th ed) Kaolinite
D008297 Male Males
D008875 Middle Aged An adult aged 45 - 64 years. Middle Age
D009369 Neoplasms New abnormal growth of tissue. Malignant neoplasms show a greater degree of anaplasia and have the properties of invasion and metastasis, compared to benign neoplasms. Benign Neoplasm,Cancer,Malignant Neoplasm,Tumor,Tumors,Benign Neoplasms,Malignancy,Malignant Neoplasms,Neoplasia,Neoplasm,Neoplasms, Benign,Cancers,Malignancies,Neoplasias,Neoplasm, Benign,Neoplasm, Malignant,Neoplasms, Malignant
D012140 Respiratory Tract Diseases Diseases involving the RESPIRATORY SYSTEM. Respiratory Diseases,Respiratory System Diseases,Disease, Respiratory System,Disease, Respiratory Tract,Respiratory System Disease,Respiratory Tract Disease
D005260 Female Females
D006801 Humans Members of the species Homo sapiens. Homo sapiens,Man (Taxonomy),Human,Man, Modern,Modern Man
D000328 Adult A person having attained full growth or maturity. Adults are of 19 through 44 years of age. For a person between 19 and 24 years of age, YOUNG ADULT is available. Adults
D000368 Aged A person 65 years of age or older. For a person older than 79 years, AGED, 80 AND OVER is available. Elderly
D000369 Aged, 80 and over Persons 80 years of age and older. Oldest Old

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