INCIDENCE OF CANCER AMONG NORWEGIAN BOILER WELDERS

Objectives-The cancer incidence among 2957 boiler welders was investig ated. The subjects were registered electrical welders from 1942 to 198 1. A subcohort of 606 stainless steel welders was studied separately. Methods-The investigation was a historical prospective cohort study ba sed on a national registry. The loss of follow up was 4.9%. Results-Th ere were 625 deaths (659 expected). There were 269 cancer cases (264 e xpected). An excess of lung cancer was found; 50 cases v 37.5 expected . There were three cases of pleural mesotheliomas v 1.1 expected. The subcohort of stainless steel welders had six cases of lung cancer v 5. 8 expected, and one case of pleural mesothelioma v 0.2 expected. Concl usions-The welders in the study were assumed to represent a qualified work force. These welders had a small excess risk of lung cancer. The excess risk did not seem to be associated with stainless steel welding . Smoking and asbestos exposure were potential confounders.