Epidemiological follow-up study on cancer mortality in arc welders exposed to chrome-nickel

Status:

completed 12/1996

Aims:

Insight into the connection between the development of malignant tumours in the lung and nose area and high levels of nickel or chrome (VI) dust. Goal: estimation of the cancer risk to arc welders exposed to nickel and chrome (VI) dust in the form of welding smoke.

Activities/Methods:

The first follow-up study was extended twice to cover a total period of observation from 1983 to 1996; determining the health and, where applicable, the cause of death in the test group (welders) and in the control group (turners); assessment of relative risk and standard mortality rates.

Results:

The statistical risk of cancer in welders is significantly increased; for all cancers RR=1.4/SMR=105 and for cancer of the lung/respiratory tract: RR 1.6 dominated by a high mesothelioma mortality in welders exposed to mixtures. A direct connection between the risk of cancer in welders and exposure to chrome-nickel could not definitely be proven taking into account the long period of observation. The statistical significance of the increased risk of tumours of the lung/respiratory tract in welders too can, in the main, be traced back to exposure to asbestos. A remarkable frequency of brain tumours should be investigated specifically.

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