TUBERCULOSIS

OCCUPATIONAL RISK FACTORS FOR DEVELOPING TUBERCULOSIS

A case control study of 148 male TB patients who were reported to the New Jersey Health Department (NJHD) from 1985 to 1987 was conducted to determine possible occupational risk factors for tuberculosis (TB). A total of 413 male TB patients had been reported to the NJHD during the study period; however, 268 were judged to be ineligible because they were human immunodeficiency virus positive, too ill, or had died. The average date of birth of the individuals was 1931, and approximately 50% were white and 50% were black. The controls consisted of 290 males without TB matched to the cases by age and race. The subjects were interviewed to obtain information on medical history, smoking habits, alcohol consumption, family history of TB, and lifetime work history. Associations between the interview response data and TB were assessed by case control methods. The proportion of smokers and heavy drinkers was significantly greater among the cases than controls, odds ratios (ORs) = 1.94 and 3.3, respectively. The number of nondrinkers among the cases was significantly lower than among the controls, OR = 0.56. Ever employment in quarrying and other silica using industries was nonsignificantly associated with an increased risk for TB, ORs 1.84 to 4.00. When the silica using industries were combined, the combined OR was 2.35 and represented a significantly increased risk. Ever employment as a light truck driver was significantly associated with an increased TB risk, OR = 2.49. When categorized by 'usual industry worked' or 'usual occupation worked', employment in eating and drinking establishments was associated with a significantly increased TB risk, OR = 2.83. All associations were still significant after controlling for alcohol use or a history of living with someone with TB. Nonsignificantly increased risks were seen for usually being employed in agriculture and as a janitor or cleaner, ORs = 2.31 and 2.00, respectively. No physicians, nurses, or correctional officers were included in the case group. The authors conclude that employment in certain industries and occupations has been found to be associated with an increased risk for TB. The study results are limited, however, by the small number of subjects and the exclusion of females.

American Journal of Industrial Medicine, 30(2):148-154, 1996. (12 references)

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