The following results in Table 1 show the percent increase for risk among boilermakers in a specific industry or occupation compared to all other workers followed in the ODSS.

Increased risk of mesothelioma, lung, and bladder cancers were observed in boilermakers in the ODSS. Mesothelioma is a cancer of the lining of the lungs and other organs that is caused by the inhalation of asbestos fibres [6]. Elevated lifetime risk of mesothelioma has been previously observed in boilermakers and welders [7-8]. Mesothelioma risk for workers in the ODSS is described in further detail in de Bono et al. 2021. Boilermakers are at risk for lung cancer through exposure to asbestos, welding fumes, coke oven emissions, diesel engine exhaust, environmental tobacco smoke, silica, bioaerosols, nickel, and hexavalent chromium Among boilermakers in construction, those in general contracting had a 117%* increased risk and those in special trade contracting had a 68% increased risk for lung cancer. Diesel engine exhaust exposure may also increase the risk for bladder cancer in these workers, which has been previously reported [9-11].

Boilermakers also have increased risks for asbestosis and chronic obstructive pulmonary disorder (COPD) in the ODSS. Boilermakers are at risk for asbestosis through exposure to asbestos [6]. They are at risk for COPD through various exposures such as asbestos, diesel exhaust, welding fumes, and wood dust exposures [12-13]. One study estimated that reduction of exposure to asbestos, diesel exhaust, metal fumes, and wood dust in construction workers would prevent one in ten deaths due to COPD, regardless of other risk factors [13]. A national building trades screening program in the US found a lifetime risk of developing COPD to be 12.3% for boilermakers [14].

Similar to boilermakers, related occupations of welding including flame cutting, forging, and metalworking-machine operators also showed increased risks for asbestosis, mesothelioma, lung cancer, and bladder cancer in the ODSS.

It is an employer’s responsibility to conduct hazard assessments and keep workers safe by implementing effective solutions using the hierarchy of controls. More concise and detailed best practice documents are needed to inform boilermakers of the workplace hazards they are exposed to.

Prevention and hazards information for workers and a diagnostic toolkit for primary health providers can be found through the Construction Safety Association of Ontario. Additional information for workers can be found through the International Brotherhood of Boilermakers Canada.

Further research on disease risks and occupational exposures among boilermakers is needed given that the current existing evidence is limited, although new findings have been identified in the ODSS. Future studies can help to better understand the unique exposures of boilermakers and provide guidance for safer work environments for boilermakers.

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4. Mukherjee S, Rodrigues E, Aeschliman DB, Houk RS, Palmer LJ, Woodin MA, Weker R, Christiani DC. Urinary metal and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon biomarkers in boilermakers exposed to metal fume and residual oil fly ash. Am J Ind Med. 2005 Jun;47(6):484-93.
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