Mortality among masons in Iceland

Abstract
An investigation was carried out to determine the cause of death among 450 masons in Iceland who had been exposed to hexavalent chromium, a trace element in cement. The cohort was defined as all men born between 1905 and 1945 who had, according to the Register of Masons and Stone-cutters, finished vocational training as masons. For deaths occurring between 1951 and 1982 information was obtained from the Statistical Bureau of Iceland. Expected death rates were calculated, based on the national rates for men in the corresponding age groups. The total number of deaths from all causes was less than expected for the whole study period (81 v 85.86) but, with a 20 year latent period, 58 deaths were found against 50.57 expected; with a 30 year latent period, 38 deaths were found against 27.82 expected, which may, to a large extent, be accounted for by an excess of deaths from lung cancer. Nine deaths from lung cancer were found in the cohort, eight with 20 and 30 year latent periods compared with expected rates of 2.87, 2.19, and 1.28 respectively. The results seem to indicate that the increased number of deaths from lung cancer among the masons has a causal relation to occupational exposure.

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mason'ai:)

Freema­sonry in Iceland began in 1913 when a „society of brothers“, Edda, was established, in Reykjavik. Then, in 1918 Edda became a lodge of instruction. A year later, on the 6th of January 1919, it became a fully warranted lodge. Since then, a total of twelve warranted lodges and six lodges of instruction have been established. Icelandic Freema­sonry was under the juris­diction of the The National Grand Lodge of Denmark (Den Danske Frimurer­orden) until 1951 when the Danish Grand Master constituted the Grand Lodge of Iceland as a sovereign Order which has a total membership of 3379 as of the 15th of Mars, 2011.

Icelandic Freema­sonry operates according to the Swedish Rite which is the dominant system in four of the Nordic countries and to some extent in Finland and Germany. It consists of eleven degrees, all of which are consi­dered a part of Freema­sonry. This system differs consi­derably from those used in English-speaking countries. However, there are common character­istics which make a visit to an Icelandic lodge meeting interesting and most worthwhile.

Masonic visitors from abroad belonging to Masonic Grand Lodges recognized by the Icelandic Order of Freemasons are cordially invited to participate in lodge meetings as they wish. A dark suit, white shirt and a conservative tie is recomm­ended and masonic regalia are desirable but not required. Visitors will be asked to identify themselves with papers from their home lodge and in a Masonic manner. Information on meetings of individual lodges and contacts with telephone numbers are to be found on this homepage. It is recomm­ended that you call ahead if you wish to attend. Brothers will be pleased to assist you in finding a suitable lodge meeting.

Islandijoj 334 303 gyventojų.

Taigi, Islandijoj masonų kiek daugiau negu 1% visų gyventojų.

Lieka ...

99%?

Nagi, masonai Lietuvos:

1. Kiek jūsų?

2. Ar emigruojat, ar bėgat iš Tėvynės taip, kaip visi?

3. Ar jūsų kiekis mažėja taip, kaip Lietuva mažėja?

4. Ar nubiednėjot, kaip visi?

Gal sykiais, na, netyčiom, panorot išlįst iš savo ložių, nusirengt savo ritualinius kostiumėlius ir eit pamūryt „Ant kalno mūrus"?