Lung cancer mortality in a cohort of UK cotton workers: an extended follow-up.

ABSTRACT:

Background

A recent systematic review and meta-analysis suggested that occupational exposure to endotoxins protects against lung cancer. To explore this hypothesis further, the follow-up of mortality of a cohort of 3551 workers, who were employed in the British cotton industry during 1966-1971, was extended by 23 years.

Methods

Subjects had originally been recruited to a survey of respiratory disease, which collected information about occupation and smoking habits. Cumulative exposures to endotoxins were estimated from data on endotoxin levels by work areas in cotton mills. Risks of lung cancer were estimated using survival modelling.

Results

During follow-up, 2018 deaths were recorded before the age of 90 years, including 128 deaths from lung cancer. After adjustment

SUBMITTER: McElvenny DM 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC3185933 | biostudies-literature | 2011 Sep

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature