Effect of Arsenic Exposure and Cigarette Smoking on Total and Cause-Specific Mortality

Abstract

Background The relationship between arsenic exposure and all-cause mortality and the joint effects of arsenic exposure and smoking have been poorly described in previous studies. Methods After 27 years of follow-up, a total of 1738 miners were included in the analysis. Different statistical methods were used to explore the relationship between arsenic exposure and smoking and the risk of all-cause mortality and various causes of death. Results A total of 694 deaths occurred during the 36,199.79 person-years of follow-up. Cancer was the leading cause of death, and arsenic-exposed workers had significantly higher mortality rates for all-cause, cancer, and cerebrovascular disease. All-cause, cancer, cerebrovascular disease, and respiratory disease increased with cumulative arsenic exposure. Conclusions We demonstrated the negative effects of smoking and arsenic exposure on all-cause mortality. More effective actions should be taken to reduce arsenic exposure in miners.