The American Journal of Industrial Medicine published an article reviewing the literature about cancer in pulp mill workers. They found that maintenance workers have an increased level of MESOTHELIOMA which is related to asbestos exposure. Historically machines of pulp mills were lined with a type of asbestos. It is not known whether this was true at the Samoa Pulp Mill. However, "an increased risk of MALIGNANT MELANOMAS for pulp mill workers is a constant finding."" "An increased risk for LEUKEMIAS has been found in many studies caried out on pulp and paper workers....In some studies an increased risk for STOMACH CANCER has been found." This could be due to dietary factors.
A study in British Columbia reported the following: " The results suggest that long term work in pulp and paper industry is associated with excess risks of PROSTATE AND STOMACH CANCERS and all LEUKEMIAS for work in both kraft and sulfite processes."
Dr. Jim Markos from the Australian Lung Foundation reported that "pulp mill workers are at a greater risk of developing cancers, asthma and dermatitis, and there are also health risks for people who live near pulp mills."
The British Columbia Cancer agency studied cancer in pulp and paper workers and found cancers of the esophagus, pleura, kidney and non-hodgkins lymphoma. While this was worse for workers in sulfite mills, it was also true for workers in kraft pulp mills.
Don't take our word for it. Google cancer and pulp mills or check out some of the articles we got our information from.
http://www.asbestos.com/occupations/paper-mill-workers.php
"Cohort cancer incidence among pulp and paper mill workers in British Columbia. Scandinavian Journal of Worker & Environmental Health 2001 Apr;27 (2): 113-9 Cancer Control Research, BC Cancer Agency, Vancouver, Canada
"Health effects of working in pulp and paper mills:Malignant diseases,"
American Journal of Ocupational Medicine Vol. 29 Issue 2
Dec. 6, 1998
B.C. Cancer Agency "Mortality Study of Pulp and Paper Workers."
Australian Broadcasting Association 8-19-2005 "Pulp mills increase health risks, forum hears"
Also, check studies of communities near mills in Rumford, Maine, the Potlatch Pulp Mill near Lewiston, Idaho and the longterm effects of the mill in Port Angeles, Washington.