Investigation of Health Hazards in the Painting Trades

摘要

A mortality survey among painters (SIC-1721) was conducted. The cohort consisted of approximately 57,000 current and former members (aged 35 to 95) of the International Brotherhood of Painters and Allied Trades in New York, California, Texas, and Missouri. Data was collected from life insurance records, the Social Security Administration, National Death Index, and the Health Care Financing Administration for 1975 through 1979. A case control study of cancer at specific sites was conducted among the union membership in New York. Mailed questionnaires were used to collect information concerning occupational exposure, smoking, dietary habits, and medical histories. The principal causes of death were cardiovascular disease and cancer. Total mortality and mortality due to cardiovascular disease were significantly less than that of the general population. Total cancer mortality was not significantly different from the general population. The case control study found that painters had a higher incidence of lung cancer and lymphatic malignancies (especially leukemia) than members involved in other trades. There was a higher rate of cigarette smoking among lung cancer patients. There was no correlation with dietary habits. The author concludes that painters may have an increased risk of lung cancer and lymphatic malignancies.