TABLE GUIDE

Table 1 illustrates that the principal diseases causing death among asbestos-exposed workers remain those already identified. This is true whether contrasts are made between expected deaths (based upon death certificate data) and those recorded either on death certificates of the workers involved or ascertained following review of all available data. Expected deaths were 3,450, and 4,951 occurred.

The principal cause of the excess deaths was cancer (761 expected at all sites; 2,127 were so recorded on death certificate and 2,295 found to have been present after examination of available material). The major cancers involved were bronchogenic carcinoma (268 anticipated, 1,168 observed on best evidence) mesothelioma (458 occurred, although none were expected) and a modest increase in neoplasms of the gastrointestinal tract. Asbestosis also was a major cause of death, with 427 being seen. A number of other cancers were increased in incidence, but were by no means as numerous as lung cancer, mesothelioma, or gastrointestinal cancer.

Table 2 provides information concerning a number of these (larynx, oropharynx and buccal cavity, kidney, pancreas, gall bladder, and bile ducts). On the other hand, various other cancers were not observed in excess, including lymphoma and leukemia and carcinoma of the ureter, urinary bladder and prostate (Table 3).

To review the data contained in these tables, refer to Page 272 of Dr. Selikoff’s report. To review the references in Dr. Selikoff’s article see Pages 275-276.