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Objective: To determine the mortality and cancer incidence of aluminum smelter workers. Method: The experience of 17,089 workers between 1950 and 2004 was studied. Results: There were 25 deaths/47 female incident cancers and 6350 deaths/3984 male incident cancers. Mortality was significantly elevated for chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, Alzheimer disease (likely influenced by regional factors), all cancers, stomach, bladder, and lung cancers. Incidence was significantly elevated for bladder, lung, and laryngeal cancers. Digestive, lung, and bladder cancer mortality and lung, bladder, and buccal cancer incidence increased significantly with benzo(a)pyrene (B(a)P) exposure. Over time lung cancer risk has diminished but bladder cancer risk has not. Conclusions: Bladder cancer incidence was not increased at B(a)P exposures below 40 ttg/m3 -yr. Occupational origins for other cancers occurring above expected rates but probably unrelated to B(a)P exposure cannot be excluded. In the prebake plant, nonsignificant increases of lung cancer were observed between 2000 and 2004. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article describes Quebec aluminum smelter workers' cancer experience. A comparison and examination of cancer incidence with that of the Quebec general population in relation to benzo[a]pyrene (B[a]P) and smoking exposure indices is done. It is suggested that there is a statistically significant increased incidence of stomach, pancreatic, laryngeal, lung, and bladder cancers. It is also shown in the article that pancreatic and stomach cancer risks do not relate significantly to cumulative B[a]P exposure.

This article presents a study reharding the mortality and cancer experience of Quebec aluminum reduction plant workers after January 1, 1950. The results of the study shows that respiratory cancer mortality and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease were statistically in excess. In the combined cohorts, standardized mortality ratios exceeded 110 for cancers of rectum, esophagus, larynx, pancreas, non-Hodgkin lymphoma, lung, cerebrovascular disease, and asthma. There was a significant downward trend in mortality from all causes, bladder and lung cancer.

Examines the effects of air pollution on respiratory status of residents in three communities in Montreal, Quebec. Basis for developing air pollution profile of each community; Air pollutant levels in each community; Respiratory syndromes and mean lung function of residents.

Examines the etiology of pleural calcification among chrysotile miners and millers in Quebec. Correlation between grade of calcification and dust exposure; Determination of the developmental period of unilateral and bilateral calcified plaques; Identification of geographical and occupational distribution of pleural calcification.