Study type:
Epidemiological study
(observational study)
Cancer incidence in UK electricity generation and transmission workers, 1973-2008
epidem.
By:
Sorahan T
Published in: Occup Med 2012; 62 (7): 496-505
Aim of study (acc. to author)
Further details
Endpoint/type of risk estimation
Type of risk estimation:
(standardized incidence rate (SIR))
Exposure
Assessment
- list: 3 job categories based on work location: 1) power stations, 2) substation or transmission sites, and 3) non-operational locations
Exposure groups
|
Group
|
Description
|
|
Reference group 1
|
general population of England and Wales
|
|
Group 2
|
cohort of UK electricity generation and transmission workers
|
Population
-
Group:
-
Characteristics:
employees of the former Central Electricity Generating Board (CEGB) of England and Wales with a minimum of 6 month employment
-
Observation period:
1973 - 2008
-
Study location:
UK
-
Data source:
National Health Service Central Register and General Register Office for Scotland
Study size
| Type |
Value |
| Total |
83,923 |
| Evaluable |
81,842 |
Results (acc. to author)
Overall, cancer morbidity was slightly below expectation in males and females. Significant excesses were found in male workers for mesothelioma (a well known risk factor for mesothelioma is asbestos), skin cancer (non-melanoma) as well as prostate cancer and in female workers for cancer of the small intestine and nasal cancer. Brain cancers were close to expectation in males and below expectation in females. Leukemia incidence (all types) was slightly below expectation in males and females.
More detailed analyses including year of hire, period from first employment, period from leaving employment, industry sector and type of work showed important contrasts for mesothelioma and leukemia. The clear occupational excess of mesothelioma was not matched by a corresponding excess of lung cancer (a ratio of 2:1 for excess lung cancers/mesothelioma caused by asbestos is often observed), and the level of asbestos-induced lung cancer in this industry must be low. Leukemia risks declined with period from hire; confident interpretation of this finding is not possible. The excesses of cancers of the nasal cavities and small intestine are probably not occupational, though the excess of skin cancer may be due to outdoor work.
Study funded by
-
Energy Networks Association (ENA), UK
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