The 130th Annual Meeting of APHA

Abstract #50076

James T. Walker, PhD, National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health, Mailstop R18, 4676 Columbia Parkway, Cincinnati, OH 45226, 513-841-4219, jtw1@cdc.gov

A state-specific mortality study of deaths occurring in several states between 1984 and 1998 among white and black men and women aged 18-64 employed in various occupations and industries for selected cancers is described. Race-sex-cause-specific proportionate mortality ratios (PMRs) were computed for several states, using the corresponding 28-state mortality as the comparison. Tables were prepared using 13 cause of death categories, from 6 to 65 occupational categories, and up to 27 industry categories. The findings demonstrate that analyses of death certificate data are useful for the state-based surveillance of occupational cancer mortality. Results for several states are presented and discussed, including possible influence from industry/region characteristics or policies for particular states. Using Indiana as an example, elevations were observed for several industry-specific occupational groups for several causes of cancer mortality: for instance, malignant neoplasms of the trachea, bronchus, and lung in service workers in rubber and miscellaneous plastic products manufacturing, oral cavity and pharynx cancer in service workers in eating and drinking places, and laryngeal cancer in precision production and craft workers in construction. This analysis of data from a large population examines the mortality profile for a variety of occupations and industries across states. This study provides data for state-based occupational health surveillance for possible public health research or intervention on behalf of workers to prevent or control suspect occupational exposures.

Learning Objectives: At the conclusion of the session, the participant in this session will be able to

• Discuss or identify elevated cancer mortality results for industry-occupation categories for several states
• Recognize how the numbers of individuals in an industry-occupation category within a state can limit the chance of observing an elevated cancer mortality result
• Develop a suitable state table for lung cancer mortality surveillance by industry and occupation for an industry-occupation combinations with small numbers and for similar tables with large numbers

Keywords: Cancer, Surveillance

Presenting author's disclosure statement:
I do not have any significant financial interest/arrangement or affiliation with any organization/institution whose products or services are being discussed in this session.