Mortality among Ontario members of the International Union of Bricklayers and Allied Craftworkers

Abstract

Bricklayers and Allied Craftworkers are at risk from diseases associated with heavy exposure to inorganic dust: lung cancer, stomach cancer, and pneumoconiosis. Dust control as well as education and training of these workers to protect themselves against inhalation hazards is necessary.

Airborne exposures and risk of gastric cancer: A prospective cohort study

“…Our results are supported by a study of Lithuanian cement masons, 45 and a study of US cement-producing workers, 46 while no clear associations were found in other studies of cement workers in Sweden or the US. 47, 48 The positive association between quartz dust and risk of gastric cancer found in our study is in line with reports on workers exposed to silica dust in Canada, [49][50][51] Spain 28 and Japan. 52 The current large and prospective cohort study design that revealed positive, dose-response associations regarding both cement dust and quartz dust provides valid support in favor of true relations between these exposures and gastric cancer.…”

Occupational demands and health effects for bricklayers and construction supervisors: A systematic review

“…On the other hand, they found an elevated SIR for cancer of the cardia of the stomach for individuals employed as bricklayers during the 1960-1970 (1.8 (95% CI: 1.2-2.5)) or 1970-1980 (1.9 (95% CI: 1.2-2.7)). Dong et al [1995] and Finkelstein and Verma [2005] did not find an increased risk for stomach cancer for bricklayers compared to other construction workers.…”

“…Three articles gave information regarding lung cancer [Dong et al, 1995;Robinson et al, 1995;Finkelstein and Verma, 2005]: a statistically significant elevated prevalence (PMR: 120 (95% CI: 106-137); 134 (95% CI: 112-151)) was found in two studies comparing bricklayers to the general population [Dong et al, 1995] or other construction workers [Robinson et al, 1995]. Finkelstein and Verma [2005] did not find an increased risk for bricklayers compared to plumbers.…”

“…[Dong et al,1995;Robinson et al,1995] 1: no statistically significant risk [Finkelstein and Verma, 2005] Stomach cancer Conflicting 2: unfavorable for health [Dong et al,1995;Robinson et al,1995] 3: no statistically significant risk [Dong et al,1995;Finkelstein and Verma, 2005 [Janicak,1998] (fatal head injuries) 1: unfavorable for health [Lipscomb et al, 2006] (injuries due to tripping and slipping) 1: no statistically significant risk [Arndt et al, 2004 [Wang et al,1999] Three authors described the risk for diseases of the circulatory system. Both Arndt et al [2004] and Robinson et al [1995] reported a statistically significant lower risk for bricklayers compared to the general population or other construction workers (PMR: 89 (95% CI: 83-97); SMR: 0.6 (95% CI: 0.5-0.8)).…”

Cancer and Construction: What Occupational Historiesina Canadian Community Reveal

“…52 Dust-exposed workers such as bricklayers have shown increased risks, not only for pneumoconiosis and lung cancer from silica, but also for stomach cancer. 53 The potential problems of construction workers' exposures to diesel exhaust have also been flagged. 54 Other cancers may be associated with construction work; a recent Canadian study of occupational risk factors for brain cancer, for example, found an increased risk among construction workers.…”