Patterns of mortality among commercial pressmen

A proportionate analysis of cause of death in 1, 401 commercial pressmen was initiated following a report of a cancer cluster in this group. The study found a significant elevated risk of all cancers [proportionate mortality ratio (PMR)=127) and cancers of the lymphatic and hematopoietic system (PMR= 122), with non-Hodgkin's lymphomas responsible for much of the excess. Three deaths in the cohort were attributed to myelofibrosis, a rare disease associated with benzene exposure. A significantly elevated PMR was also detected for colorectal cancer (PMR=171) and, among those employed 20 years or more, for cancers of the liver (PMR=216) and pancreas (PMR=162). No excess risk of bladder or lung cancer or leukemia was seen. Proportionate mortality analyses rarely show excess risk of both cancer and heart disease in a working population. Surprisingly, a significantly elevated risk of arteriosclerotic heart disease (PMR=113) was found in this group. These findings indicate that solvent exposure may be associated with excess mortality risk in commercial pressmen.