The "hazardous" environment--a commentary.

The data available on mortality of the white population of the United States from 1940 to 1975 do not confirm the presence of an epidemic of cancer in our society. Overall death rates and non-respiratory cancer death rates are declining in these groups over a wide spectrum of ages for both sexes. Respiratory cancer death rates have been increasing, but appear to show a current decline in the younger age groups. The need for objective mortality data by specific cause of death and geographic area is evident. Measures to protect the environment should be undertaken within the context of a generally improving mortality experience of the U.S. population.