OCCUPATIONAL RISK-FACTORS FOR DEVELOPING TUBERCULOSIS

We sought to assess whether there is an increased risk of tuberculosis among individuals who work in certain industries or occupations. A ca se-referent study of 149 male tuberculosis (TB) patients reported to t he New Jersey Health Department from 1985 to 1987 and 290 referents wa s performed. Standardized interviews were conducted via the telephone or in person. Increased risk of TB was highest in heavy drinkers (OR = 3.33, 95% CL 1.99-5.59) and those who had a history of living with so meone who had a history of TB (OR = 10.92, 95% CL 4.92-24.22). Occupat ions and industries associated with elevated risk for TB included: fou r silica-using industries-quarrying (OR = 3.96, 95% CL 0.36-44.02), po ttery and related products (OR = 1.99, 95% CL 0.49-8.06), nonmetallic mineral and stone products (OR = 4.00, 95% CL 0.72-22.10), and ship an d boat building and repair (OR = 1.84, 95% CL 0.76-4.43); hospitals (O R = 2.10, 95% CL 1.08-4.10); light truck drivers (OR = 2.49, 95% CL 1. 30-4.77); agriculture (OR = 2.31, 95% CL 0.82-6.50); eating and drinki ng establishments (OR = 2.83, 95% CL 1.11-7.20); and janitors/cleaners (OR = 2.00, 95% CL 0.63-6.31). Except for janitors/cleaners, these el evated odds ratios remained for the above occupations/industries after controlling for alcohol or a history of having lived with someone wit h tuberculosis. Limitations of the study include a poor response rate (38%) and the exclusion of women from the study. (C) 1996 Wiley-Liss, Inc.