Mortality Due to Malignant Tumors in Workers Employed in the Complex Processing of Copper Metallurgical Waste

Abstract

Introduction. Workers engaged in the complex processing of copper metallurgy waste are in contact with inorganic compounds of arsenic, nickel, lead, cadmium, and hexavalent chromium. The purpose of the study is to estimate the degree of carcinogenic risk for workers employed in the processing of copper metallurgy waste. Material and methods. The results of a retrospective study of deaths from cancer of workers in the recycling of copper metallurgy (sulfuric acid, bluestone and nickel vitriol production and processing of anode slimes) of a metallurgical plant to produce blister and refined copper are presented. The intensity of mortality and relative carcinogenic risk for workers were calculated (common as well as age-specific for men and women). A comparison of the observed and “expected” indices of the cancer mortality rate was carried out and the relative carcinogenic risk for workers was determined. Results. The highest levels of cancer mortality were found in the age range of 50-59 years. It’s noted excess observed mortality from malignant tumors over “expected” both men and women in most cancer locations. For men involved in the production of sulfuric acid, a high carcinogenic risk of developing malignant neoplasms of urinary organs. For women involved in the production of sulfuric acid, a high carcinogenic risk of developing malignant neoplasms of the liver. When receiving copper sulfate, men have the greatest carcinogenic risk for urinary organs for tumors, and women for lymphatic and hematopoietic tissue tumors. The processing of anodic sludges is associated with a carcinogenic risk for men on lung cancer, and for a woman - on tumors of lymphatic and hematopoietic tissue. Conclusion. Obtained epidemiological data indicate carcinogenic risk to workers involved in the complex recycling of copper metallurgy.

Occupational Health Risks for Workers Engaged in Copper-Nickel Ore Processing

“…Условия труда определяют высокий уровень профессиональной заболеваемости металлургов медно-никелевых предприятий, для которых типично развитие хронических болезней органов дыхания, включая злокачественные новообразования с локализацией в верхних дыхательных путях, бронхах и легких [6][7][8][9]. Реже формируются патология костно-мышечной и нервной систем, нарушения слуха, болезни кожи и другие заболевания [10][11][12].…”