Longitudinal analysis of respiratory outcomes among bauxite exposed workers in Western Australia.

Introduction: Occupational exposure to bauxite is common in the aluminium industry but little is known about the associated health effects. This study investigates respiratory health in relation to respirable bauxite dust exposure longitudinally over a 13 year period.

Methods: An inception cohort study recruited 91 male bauxite miners and 363 male alumina refinery workers.

Cancer incidence, mortality, and blood lead levels among workers exposed to inorganic lead.

Purpose: We aimed to measure mortality and cancer incidence in a cohort of lead-exposed workers by using blood lead levels to assess exposure.

Methods: The cohort comprised male lead workers. Subjects were matched to cancer and death registries.

Is potroom asthma due more to sulphur dioxide than fluoride? An inception cohort study in the Australian aluminium industry.

Objectives: Although an asthma-like syndrome has been recognised in aluminium smelter workers for over 70 years, the causal agent has been difficult to identify.

Methods: An inception cohort study was conducted at two Australian aluminium smelters where 446 employees participated over a period of 9 years. Cumulative exposures between interviews were estimated from job histories using a task exposure matrix based on measurements in the smelters.