An Updated Mortality Study of Beryllium Workers, 1925-2020.

OBJECTIVE

Update and expand a cohort of beryllium workers, to examine risks associated with beryllium solubility and mortality from lung cancer, all cancers, all causes, as well as other neoplasms (kidney, bladder, central nervous system) and other nonmalignant respiratory disease.

METHODS

The study conducted a retrospective cohort study of 17,149 workers employed in 15 US facilities (1925-2020). Data were analyzed using standardized mortality ratios referencing the US population and Cox models.

RESULTS

Lung cancer mortality was elevated among mixed beryllium (soluble and insoluble-exposed) workers hired pre-1955, but not among insoluble-only workers during any period. Other nonmalignant respiratory disease mortality was significantly elevated in the total cohort, driven by mortality among mixed-exposure facilities and among workers hired pre-1955.

CONCLUSIONS

No increase in lung cancer or other mortality for any timeframe for workers at insoluble-only beryllium facilities was observed.