Background: Lead smelter/refinery workers in the US have had significant exposure to lead and are an important occupational group to study to understand the health effects of chronic lead exposure in adults. Recent research found evidence that studies of lead smelter/refinery workers have been conducted but not published. This paper presents further evidence for this contention.
Objectives: To present further evidence of industry conducted, unpublished epidemiologic studies of lead smelter/refinery workers and health outcomes.
Methods: Historical research relying on primary sources such as internal industry documents and published studies.
Results: ASARCO smelter/refinery workers were studied in the early 1980s and found to have increased risk of lung cancer and stroke in one study, but not in another.
Conclusions: Because occupational lead exposure is an on-going concern for US and overseas workers, all epidemiologic studies should be made available to evaluate and update occupational health and safety standards.
Keywords: Cerebrovascular disease; Lead exposure; Lead refinery; Lead smelter; Lung cancer; Occupational health; Smelter workers.