Malignant Melanoma Affecting the Skin among Municipal Police Officers - A Preliminary Inquiry

摘要

Following a report of 12 cases of malignant melanoma of the skin (MMS) in white male District of Columbia police officers during the period 1970-1975, the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health made a cursory investigation to determine whether or not police officers experience an increased risk of MMS. Since this reported incidence in DC police officers was much higher than expected, 23 other cities were surveyed to make a comparative analysis. Reports from the 23 cities indicated that MMS is not a significant disease among municipal police officers. Only one other city, Dallas, Texas reported an incidence of MMS higher than expected. Further studies are suggested to adequately address the possible role of environmental factors in unusual disease observations.