DATE: September 16, 1997

TO: All Interested Parties

FROM:   Dian Kiser, BREATH

               Theresa Boschert, BREATH

RE: Occupational Group Disease Rate:

BARTENDERS HAVE RATES OF LUNG CANCER HIGHER THAN FIREFIGHTERS, MINERS, COOKS, DUCT WORKERS, AND DRY CLEANERS

This information received from Michael Siegel, M.D. regarding the highest overall death rates and the highest lung cancer rates by occupation. Of the 68 occupations measured by the California Department of Health Services - Health Data and Statistics from the California Occupational Mortality Study 1979-1981, the highest relative mortality rates by occupation were:*
 

1. Plumbers and duct workers

Lung Cancer 53

Overall 124

2. Firefighters

Lung Cancer 150

Overall 104

3. Cooks

Lung Cancer 104

Overall 110

4. Dry Cleaners

Lung Cancer 123

Overall 88

5. Helpers and Laborers

Lung Cancer 56

Overall 22

Relative mortality rates for five other occupations known for being traditionally dangerous due to toxic exposure were:

1. Water transportation workers

Lung Cancer 368

Overall 373

2. Roofers

Lung Cancer 329

Overall 231

3. Foresters and Loggers

Lung Cancer 289

Overall 307

4. Plant and Systems Operators

Lung Cancer 258

Overall 184

5. BARTENDERS

Lung Cancer 244

Overall 205

6. Miners and Drillers

Lung Cancer 243

Overall 222

 

* Note: A relative mortality rate of 100 means that the death rate in the group is equal
to that for all workers combined.
“Lung Cancer” reflects just lung cancer, “Overall” reflects heart disease and lung cancer.

 

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