CANCERS RELATED TO EXPOSURE TO ARSENIC AT A COPPER SMELTER

Objective-This is an update of an earlier study on the relation betwee n exposure to arsenic in air and deaths from respiratory cancer. The p urpose was to verify earlier findings of a supralinear dose response r elation and to examine relations with other cancers, particularly thos e reported in studies on drinking water. Methods-An earlier study of 2 802 men who worked at a copper smelter for a year or more during the p eriod 1940-64 and who mere followed up for deaths during the period 19 41-76 was updated until 1986. Estimates of exposure for the period 197 7-1981 were added. Results and conclusions-The additional follow up co nfirms the earlier finding that at low doses the increments in death r ates for respiratory cancer for a given increment in dose are greater than at high doses. The additional follow up also shows significant in creases in cancer of the large intestine and bone, and SMRs >150 for c ancer of the buccal cavity and pharynx, rectal cancer, and kidney canc er. There was a positive relation between exposure to arsenic in air a nd kidney and bone cancer, but none for the other cancers, except resp iratory.