Lung cancer mortality in arsenic-exposed workers from a cadmium recovery plant

Background There is evidence that arsenic is a late-stage human lung carcinogen. Aims To investigate lung cancer risks in a cohort of cadmium recovery workers in relation to period from ceasing exposure to arsenic. Methods The mortality experience (1940-2001) of a cohort of 625 male workers from a US cadmium recovery plant was compared with expectations based on US national mortality rates. Results There was a statistically significant (P < 0.05) negative trend in lung cancer standardized mortality ratios in relation to period from ceasing arsenic exposure. Conclusions The findings are consistent with the hypothesis that arsenic is a late-stage human carcinogen.