Mortality of lead smelter workers: A follow-up study with exposure assessment.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Lead exposure has been linked to impaired renal function and kidney failure. High lead exposures have been associated with increased mortality from certain cancers, hypertension, cardiovascular disease, and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS).

Methods

We extended vital status follow-up on a cohort of 1,990 lead smelter workers by 25 years and computed standardized mortality ratios and rate ratios (RR) stratified by cumulative lead exposure.

Results

The update added 13,823 person-years at risk and 721 deaths. Increased risk of mortality was observed for the a priori outcomes of lung cancer, cardiovascular disease (including cerebrovascular disease), chronic kidney disease, and ALS. However, of these outcomes, only cardiovascular, cerebrovascular, and chronic

SUBMITTER: Bertke SJ 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC5577554 | biostudies-literature | 2016 Nov

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature