Occupational coronary heart disease among bridge and tunnel officers

Traffic-control officers employed in New York City tunnels prior to 1981 ha ve been at increased risk of mortality from coronary heart disease. In this study, the authors assessed current coronary heart disease prevalence and evaluated associations between coronary heart disease and occupational fact ors among New York City bridge and tunnel officers. A clinical cardiovascul ar disease surveillance and cross-sectional occupational epidemiologic stud y was conducted. The authors used comprehensive evaluations to identify cur rent and prior incidences of coronary heart disease. Occupational risk fact ors evaluated included job strain, current and historic exposure to carbon monoxide, and occupational physical inactivity. Current carbon monoxide exp osure was assessed via workshift changes in carboxyhemoglobin. Coronary hea rt disease occurred in 29 (5.5%) of the 526 bridge and tunnel officers exam ined. Risk of coronary heart disease was associated positively with total y ears each bridge and tunnel officer work had worked in that capacity (odds ratio = 1.64 for each decade of employment, adjusted for nonoccupational co ronary heart disease risk factors). Carboxyhemoglobin levels were low in th e subjects, and job strain and physical inactivity were very prevalent. Occ upational factors contributed to the risk of coronary heart disease in New York City bridge and tunnel officers. The authors were unable to identify t he specific factors that led to the increase in risk described.