LUNG-CANCER IN CHROMATE-EXPOSED AEROSPACE WORKERS

A retrospective cohort study evaluated the risk of lung cancer in aero space workers with a minimum of 6 months' employment in jobs with chro mium [VI] exposure (n = 2429). Standardized incidence ratios (SIR) est imated the risk of lung cancer by duration of employment in chromate-e xposure jobs and cumulative exposure based on industrial hygiene and w ork-history data. The overall SIR for lung cancer was 0.8 (observed [O bs] = 15). Lung cancer risk was inversely related to estimates of cumu lative chromate exposure and duration of employment as a painter. Alth ough based on few cases, an elevated lung cancer risk was found in sub jects who had worked for 5 or more years as a chrome plater or surface processor tank tender (Obs = 2, SIR = 1.9) and sander/masker or polis her (Obs = 3, SIR = 2.7). A clear association was not observed between chromate exposure and the risk of lung cancer in this population of w orkers.