Original article

Scand J Work Environ Health 1986;12(5):455-460    pdf

https://doi.org/10.5271/sjweh.2112 | Issue date: Oct 1986

Mortality experience in a polyamide-polyester factory.

by Hours M, Bertholon J, Esteve J, Cardis E, Freyssinet CL, Quelin P, Fabry J

Chemical workers have become increasingly concerned about the presence of carcinogens in their occupational environment. As a result, a number of studies of excess cancer mortality have been undertaken in groups of workers with well-characterized exposures. This paper reports the results of one such study carried out in a polyamide-polyester factory in France. A retrospective cohort design was chosen to evaluate the effect of exposure to phthalates, nickel catalyzers, and other chemicals in the work environment. Only a slight excess of cancers, marginally related to exposure category yet not significantly related to length of exposure, was found. The cohort, however, was young but stable, and a continued follow-up is therefore both feasible and justifiable, since it is likely to yield important information about the potential hazards associated with the tergal polymer industry.