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Occupational Medicine 1999;49:462-464
© 1999 Society of Occupational Medicine

other

Two cases of thyroid cancer in a small workforce

J. P. MacCarthy

Area Medical Adviser, Post Office Employee Health Services White Rose House, 28 (a) York Place, Leeds LS1 2EZ, UK

In 1994, in a large parcel depot in the north of England employing 600 staff and 24 electrical and mechanical engineers, two engineers developed papillary cell carcinoma of the thyroid in the same year. A comprehensive review of the literature revealed that ionizing radiation is the only known direct cause of this disease. There was speculation that air filter changing undertaken by the two men affected, shortly after the Chernobyl accident in 1986, may have exposed them to concentrated radioactive fallout. A radiation survey of the parcel depot was undertaken and revealed no evidence of abnormal radioactivity. A total of 27 past and present engineering staff were screened for thyroid cancer. No cases of thyroid cancer were found. Investigation of clusters of rare disease in the occupational setting is indicated mainly in order to address the concerns of the workforce. Nevertheless, investigation is warranted, especially when the aetiology of a disease is poorly understood. It would be prudent for doctors, in whatever speciality, to take an occupational history from individuals who develop thyroid cancer.

Keywords      Engineers; parcel workers; radiation; thyroid cancer

Received        2 November 1998
Accepted        8 June 1999

Correspondence to: J. P. MacCarthy, Area Medical Adviser, Post Office Employee Health Services, White Rose House, 28 (a) York Place, Leeds LS1 2EZ, UK. Tel: (+44) 113 2447245; Fax: (+44) 113 2447301; email: joe.maccarthy{at}postoffice.co.uk


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