Recently, Two Follow-Up Studies of Mortality Among Licensed Pesticide Applicators

Essay

Recently, two follow-up studies of mortality among licensed pesticide applicators were published in the occupational health literature. One study from Florida found an overall standardized mortality ratio (SMR) of 1.80 and excess deaths due to leukemia, cancers of the brain, and lung cancer. A second study, based in Iowa, found an overall SMR of 1.20 and an elevated SMR for lung cancer only. The mortality statistics for the respective states were used for comparison purposes.
A. Is there reason for concern? Why or why not?
B. Why do you think that there was an elevated SMR for only one specific cause of death in Iowa? Knowing that applicators in both states use similar chemicals in their work, do you think that pesticide workers in Florida should be concerned that they may be at higher risk than their colleagues in Iowa?