[Forensic autopsies performed because of suspected occupational disease during the period 1987-1991--counties of Funen and Southern Jutland. Guidelines for physicians' notifications and a review of autopsy practice during 5 years].

One hundred and thirty-six forensic autopsies were conducted at the Institute of Forensic Medicine, University of Odense, Denmark (covering the counties of Funen and Southern Jutland) between 1987 and 1991 suspecting occupational disease as the cause of death. The autopsy were requested by the National Board of Industrial Injuries (NBII). The most frequent exposures were asbestos, solvents, sand, dust and welding fumes. Death was caused by lung disease in 92/136 of the cases, of which 48 were lung cancers and ten mesotheliomas. Totally, cancer diseases were found to be the cause of death in 70/136. Comparing data from the official death register and from NBII on mesothelioma it is concluded that only a minor part of the deaths caused by occupational disease are reported. Only a fraction of the diseases listed in the official Danish inventory for occupational diseases were represented among these deaths. To ensure the relatives their rightful compensation and improve the statistical data used for prevention, it is important that doctors report all deaths which may have been caused by occupational diseases.