Mortality of white South African gold miners.

Abstract

Objectives-This two part study aimed to determine whether there was an excess mortality generally or for some diseases among middle aged white South African gold miners on the Witwatersrand and whether the underground dust exposure of these miners contributed to the development of lung cancer, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), or ischaemic heart disease (IHD). Methods-A cohort of 4925 white miners in South Africa, born between 1 January 1916 and 31 December 1930 who were alive and working in the vicinity of Johannesburg on 1 January 1970, then aged between 39 and 54, was followed up for 20 years by which time 2032 had died. Most were gold miners (about 87% had worked 85% or more of their shifts in gold mines). Standardised mortality ratios (SMRs) were calculated as percentages of the number of deaths observed in the cohort for a condition as stated on the death certificate divided by the number expected on the basis of concurrent mortality in the reference population (the total age specific white male population of South Africa). A case-control analysis was performed for three diseases (lung cancer, COPD, and IHD), the results of which are presented for those miners in the cohort who had spent at least 85% of their service on gold mines and had worked at least 15% of their shifts underground. Results-The SMR for all causes of death was 129-6%, raised because of excess mortality due to the following causes: lung cancer (SMR = 139-8%), IHD

Development of quantitative exposure data for a pooled exposure‐response analysis of 10 silica cohorts

“…We identified 13 cohorts, 10 of which we included in the pooled analysis. Three cohorts were excluded due to confidentiality issues (Dutch ceramic workers, [Meijers et al, 1996]), unavailability of data (one cohort of South African gold miners [Reid and Sluis-Cremer, 1996]), or incompatibility of data (English case-control study of pottery workers [Cherry et al, 1998]).…”

Work-related risk factors of myocardial infarction

“…quartz, asbestos, PAHs, arsenic, beryllium, lead, organic dust, wood dust, paper dust and welding fumes [31]. Also, a number of studies have linked the increased risk of IHD with working under high-level exposure to non-specified dust [32][33][34]. Epidemiological studies provide also evidence that airborne particulate matter may contribute to increased morbidity and mortality rates from pulmonary and cardiovascular diseases [35][36][37].…”

Evaluation and Comparison of Respiratory Symptoms and Lung Capacities in Tile and Ceramic Factory Workers of Yazd

“…A synergistic effect of smoking and silica dust exposure on COPD mortality was shown in South African gold miners (11). Cumulative dust exposure was found to increase the risk of death from COPD in conjunction with smoking (12). At present, numerous tile and granite factories have developed in Iran, and many workers are employed in this industry.…”