Abstract

The relationship between work conditions and cardiac disease is poorly understood. The work environment of the primary aluminum production sector is likely to cause cardiac disease.

Using medical records and a questionnaire, a large group of primary aluminum production workers with cardiac disease (n=306) were compared to a control group with no cardiac disease (n=575). Statistical analysis of the association between cardiac disease and the type of workstation, chemical contaminants, and physical stressors was performed.

Tobacco usage was found to be more dangerous than environmental exposures. The risk of developing cardiac disease was higher for workers in the Soderberg and Pre-bake pot rooms, and in the Anode department. The precise causal factors remain unclear.

Anti-smoking campaigns should be intensified. Before undertaking corrective measures to reduce environmental exposures, more accurate sampling must be performed, particularly for noise, carbon monoxide, and sulphur dioxide.