Risk of malignant neoplasms in workers of the Czechoslovak uranium mines

A historical account is presented of the findings which made it possible to define the most serious occupational disease in uranium miners - bronchogenic carcinoma. In 1952 - 61, 44 cases of lung cancer were reported related to radioactive substances, in 1962 - 85 as much as 1511 patients were recompensed. In a prospective epidemiologic survey covering 4803 workers who for reasons of prevention left their risk-involving workplaces in 1968 - 75, it was found that 20.5% had died by 1985. The rate of mortality from lung tumors was in this case 3.5 times higher than in the male population of the Czech Republic. Occupational risk indicators of importance for the prevention of this occupational disease are discussed. From the medical point of view the reduction of uranium mining is welcome, as the work involves a high risk. 11 refs