Results RCS-levels among highly exposed workers were five times higher than the OEL and ten times higher in the early 1970s compared with 2000. Workers exposed to RCS had an increased risk of mortality from respiratory diseases, SMR 1.75 (95% CI 1.22-2.44). The risk was more pronounced in men, SMR 1.86 (1.22-2.70). Among women, mortality from diseases of the circulatory system was increased, although not statistically significant. A non-significant increase in the incidence of AMI was also

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... ved, with slightly higher point estimates for women than for men. No dose-response relationship was observed in any analysis. We observed eight cases of silicosis, and seven appeared with more than 30 years latency. Conclusions The RCS-levels at the porcelain factory were well above the OEL in the 1970s. We found an increased mortality from respiratory diseases which can be attributed to the harmful effects of RCS on the lung.