EPIDEMIOLOGIC FEATURES OF UROLITHIASIS AMONG INDUSTRIAL EMPLOYEES - THE ISRAELI CORDIS STUDY

We examined the prevalence of urolithiasis in 5574 men and women emplo yees in 21 industrial plants in Israel who were screened for cardiovas cular risk factors between 1985 and 1987 (the CORDIS Study). Among the data gathered were previous physician diagnosis of urolithiasis and e rgonomic and demographic data. Urolithiasis was much more frequent in men than in women (age-adjusted prevalence of 4.5% in men and 1.2% in women, P < .0001). Older subjects had higher prevalence than young sub jects. There were ethnic differences, and the highest prevalence was i n subjects of European origin. Of the occupational factors, only indus trial sector was related to prevalence of urolithiasis. Urolithiasis w as more frequent among employees in wood industries than in other sect ors (P < .05). We concluded that there is an effect of industrial sect or on the prevalence of urolithiasis. To determine the cause and magni tude of the association of wood industries with increased prevalence o f urolithiasis, ergonomic and chemical factors should be investigated.