Overview of the National Occupational Mortality Surveillance (NOMS) System: Leukemia and Acute Myocardial Infarction Risk by Industry and Occupation in 30 US States 1985–1999, 2003–2004, and 2007

Authors

Cynthia F. Robinson, Centers for Disease Control and PreventionFollow
James T. Walker, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
Marie H. Sweeney, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
Rui Shen, SRA International
Geoffrey M. Calvert, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
Pam K. Schumacher, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
Jun Ju, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
Susan Nowlin, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention

Date of this Version

2015

Citation

AMERICAN JOURNAL OF INDUSTRIAL MEDICINE 58:123–137 (2015). DOI10.1002/ajim.22408.

Comments

U.S. government work.

Abstract

Background Cancer and chronic disease are leading causes of death in the US with an estimated cost of $46 billion.

Methods We analyzed 11 million cause-specific deaths of US workers age 18–64 years in 30 states during 1985–1999, 2003–2004, and 2007 by occupation, industry, race, gender, and Hispanic origin.

Results The highest significantly elevated proportionate leukemia mortality was observed in engineers, protective service, and advertising sales manager occupations and in banks/savings &loans/credit agencies, public safety, and public administration industries. The highest significantly elevated smoking-adjusted acute myocardial infarction mortality was noted in industrial and refractory machinery mechanics, farmers, mining machine operators, and agricultural worker occupations; and wholesale farm supplies, agricultural chemical, synthetic rubber, and agricultural crop industries.

Conclusions Significantly elevated risks for acute myocardial infarction and leukemia were observed across several occupations and industries that confirm existing reports and add new information.