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A study was conducted on the possible adverse health effects and increased mortality among Russian fertilizer workers exposed to precursors of carcinogenic N-nitroso compounds, especially nitrogen oxides, in a chemical factory located near Moscow. A cohort of 2,039 men and 2,957 women employed for at least 2 years between 1945 to 1985 in production or other areas were followed from 1965 to 1990. Calculations were made for standardized mortality ratios (MR) for all cancers, cancers of primary sites, and other causes of death. Sex and age specific mortality ratios from the Moscow region were used as a reference. An industrial hygiene survey was conducted to determine the chemical processes involved and exposure to compounds such as arsenic (7440382) (As), nitrogen-oxides (NO), and sulfur-dioxide (7446939). For production and other workers of both sexes, mortality from all causes combined was either slightly or significantly decreased. Excess mortality from all cancers combined and lung cancer was seen in male production workers after a latency period of 20 years or more. A twofold increase in stomach cancer mortality was seen in men with the highest cumulative exposure to NO (40 years or more). A slightly significant trend was noted for stomach cancer and cumulative exposure among both sexes. Workers with the highest average exposure to AS showed excess mortality from all cancers, stomach cancer, and lung cancer. The authors conclude that a weak relationship exists between working in a fertilizer production facility and increased mortality from cancer, but there is also a possible relationship between increased mortality from stomach cancer and exposure to N-nitroso compounds and As.
Scandinavian Journal of Work, Environment and Health, 22(1):27-33, 1996. (23 references)
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