Mortality among dock-yard workers in Genoa, Italy.

The causes of death among the dock-yard workers of Genoa from December 31, 1959 to January 1, 1970, have been investigated. These workers, mainly assigned to ship repair, refitting and construction, are exposed to several noxious substances, such as: asbestos, silica, paint solvents, welding smoke and volatile products of petroleum. Two different control groups were selected: the male population of Genoa and the staff of the San Martino Hospital in Genoa. Causes of death showing a significant increase were: gastric cancer (only in comparison with the hospital staff), cancer of colon excluding rectum, lung cancer, cancer of kidney, urinary bladder and other urinary organs, respiratory diseases, cirrhosis of the liver, cardiovascular diseases (only in comparison with the hospital staff).