Characteristics of the study groups
| Characteristic | Exposed group n = 203 | Control group n = 94 |
|---|---|---|
| *Regularly >0.01 mg Co/m3. | ||
| Age (y) | ||
| Mean (SD) | 42.0 (10.5) | 42.2 (10.6) |
| Median (range) | 45 (23–62) | 44 (24–60) |
| Height (cm) | ||
| Mean (SD) | 177.9 (5.8) | 177.5 (6.6) |
| Median (range) | 178 (165–193) | 178 (164–196) |
| Weight (kg) | ||
| Mean (SD) | 83.6 (11.3) | 83.7 (12.6) |
| Median (range) | 82 (58–142) | 82 (62–133) |
| Work history (y) | ||
| Mean (SD) | 17.0 (11.9) | 19.1 (10.8) |
| Median (range) | 20 (2–34) | 25 (3–36) |
| Exposure time to cobalt, (y)* | ||
| Mean (SD) | 15.0 (11.6) | |
| Median (range) | 9 (1–34) | |
| Exposure to cobalt, (mg-y) | ||
| Mean (SD) | 0.40 (0.47) | |
| Median (range) | 0.18 (0.02–2.52) | |
| Smoking status (%) | ||
| Non-smokers | 33.5 | 32.6 |
| Ex-smokers or smokers | 66.5 | 67.4 |
| Pack-y | ||
| Mean (SD) | 10.8 (13.6) | 9.2 (11.1) |
| Median (range) | 7 (0–76) | 6 (0–51) |
| Consumption of alcohol | ||
| Drinks/week | ||
| Mean (SD) | 4.8 (4.5) | 5.6 (4.8) |
| Median (range) | 3 (0–20) | 4 (0–20) |
| Competing athlete status (%) | ||
| No | 84.7 | 75.0 |
| Now or earlier | 15.3 | 25.0 |
| Leisure time sport activities (%) | ||
| No, never | 8.9 | 8.7 |
| Yes, two times a week or less | 52.0 | 46.7 |
| Yes, at least three times a week | 39.1 | 44.6 |