|
Previous DOE / NIOSH Studies |
Under the original 1990 memorandum of understanding NIOSH assumed
responsibility for the management of a number of ongoing studies, then
being conducted by four DOE contractors: Oak Ridge Associated Universities,
which became the Oak Ridge Institute for Science and Education (ORISE); Los
Alamos National Laboratory, Battelle Pacific Northwest Laboratory, and
Hanford Environmental Health Foundation. Approximately 40 research efforts
were itemized in the memorandum of understanding. Ten projects were
performed by ORISE, five by Los Alamos National Laboratory, and five by
Hanford Environmental Health Foundation and Battelle Pacific Northwest
Laboratory were transferred for management by NIOSH. In most of these
cases, the research efforts were well under way by the time of the
implementation of the memorandum of understanding; therefore, NIOSH had
minimal opportunity to provide scientific or technical input. NIOSH worked
with these contractors to complete the studies summarized below:
I. Oak Ridge Institute for Science and Education (ORISE)
The following studies were performed by investigators from the Center
for Epidemiologic Research of ORISE, under the leadership of Donna Cragle,
Ph.D. The analysis of the studies of two sites, X-10 and Y-12, were
conducted by investigators from the University of North Carolina, as a
subcontract to Oak Ridge Associated Universities.
-
Oak Ridge National Laboratory
(X-10)
Manuscript:
Wing S, Shy CM, Wood JL, Wolf S, Cragle DL, Frome EL [1991].
Mortality among workers at Oak Ridge National Laboratory. JAMA
265(11): 1397-1402.
Summary:
White males hired at the Oak Ridge National Laboratory between
1943 and 1972 were followed up for vital status through 1984
(N=8,318). Relatively low mortality compared with that in U.S.
white males was observed for most causes of death. However,
leukemia mortality was elevated in the total cohort (63% higher, 28
deaths) and in workers who had at some time been monitored for
internal radionuclide contamination (123% higher, 16 deaths).
External radiation with a 20-year exposure lag was related to all
causes of death (2.68%, increase per 10 mSv), primarily due to an
association with cancer mortality (4.94%, increase per 10 mSv).
Manuscript:
Shy C, Wing S [1994]. A report on mortality among workers at Oak
Ridge National Laboratory: followup through 1990. (PO 3C-70837,
Final Report). Oak Ridge, TN: Oak Ridge Associated Universities, 21
pg.
Summary:
This study is a followup of the mortality experience of the
cohort of white males employed at the Oak Ridge National
Laboratory, originally described in 1991 (see preceding manuscript
citation). An additional 586 deaths were identified (compared with
1,524 deaths in the original followup). The all-cause SMR, the
all-cancer SMR, and lung cancer SMR were unchanged from the
previous update; however, the leukemia SMR was 1.35, compared with
1.63. The SMR for leukemia declined to 0.71 for the recent followup
years (1985-1990). This decline may reflect a leukemia-radiation
association due to relatively high doses in the 1940s and
1950s.
-
Y-12 Plant, Oak Ridge
Manuscript:
Loomis D, Wolf S [1996]. Mortality of workers at a nuclear
materials production plant in Oak Ridge, Tennessee, 1947-1990.
Am J Ind Med, 29:131-141.
Summary:
The mortality experience of a cohort of 10,597 males and females
who worked at Y-12 between 1947 and 1974 was somewhat lower than
that of the United States population, and cancer mortality was
equal to that of the general population. Deaths from lung cancer
were significantly elevated (SMR=1.17, 95% CI=1.01, 1.34). Small
excesses of brain and miscellaneous lymphatic cancers were also
found (SMRs=1.13 and 1.32, respectively). A small increase in
pancreatic cancer deaths was also noted (SMR=1.36).
-
Oak Ridge Gaseous Diffusion Plant
(K-25)
Oak Ridge K-25 Site. Oak Ridge, Tennessee. Date unknown.
Photo courtesy of the U.S. Department of Energy.
Manuscript:
Dupree EA, Wells SM, Watkins JP, Wallace PW, Davis NC [1994].
Mortality among workers employed between 1945 and 1984 at a uranium
gaseous diffusion facility. Oak Ridge, TN: Center for Epidemiologic
Research Medical Sciences Division; Oak Ridge Institute for Science
and Education; (DOE Contract DE-AC05-760R00033, Final report.)
Available from the National Institute for Occupational Safety and
Health/Health-Related Energy Research Branch, Cincinnati, OH, 24
pg.
Summary:
Mortality patterns among 35,712 workers ever employed for 30
days or more at K-25 between 1945 and 1984 were investigated. For
white males, the SMR for all causes of death was significantly
elevated (SMR=1.03, CI=1.01, 1.05). Other statistically significant
increases among the white male population included cancers of the
respiratory system including lung cancer, cancer of the bone,
mental disorders, and respiratory diseases, and all injuries. Among
nonwhite males, no cause of death showed a statistically
significant increase.
-
Combined Oak Ridge Facilities (Tennessee
Eastman Corporation [TEC], Y-12, X-10, K-25)
Manuscript:
Watkins JP, Cragle DL, Frome EL, Reagan JL, West CM,
Crawford-Brown D, Tankersley WG [1997]. Collection, validation, and
treatment of data for mortality study of nuclear industry workers.
Appl Occup Environ Hyg 12(3):195-205.
Summary:
This paper describes methodologic issues related to combining
facilities at Oak Ridge Operations in Tennessee. It includes
evaluation of 118,588 workers employed at TEC, Y-12, K-25, or X-10.
Validation and treatment of data for study members, and
characteristics of their radiation exposure are discussed. Findings
suggest under-ascertainment of external dose during the early years
at two of the facilities.
Manuscript:
Frome EL, Cragle DL, Watkins JP, Wing S, Shy CM, Tankersley WG,
West CM [1997]. A mortality study of employees of the nuclear
industry in Oak Ridge, Tennessee. Radiation Res
148:64-80.
Summary:
An analysis was conducted of 27,982 deaths occurring among
106,020 persons employed for at least thirty days at four nuclear
facilities in Oak Ridge, Tennessee [TEC, Y-12 (after 1947), X-10,
and K-25] between 1943 and 1983. Overall mortality and overall
cancer mortality estimates were in close agreement with national
rates. The only notable excesses occurred for lung cancer
(SMR=1.18) and nonmalignant respiratory disease (SMR=1.12) among
white males. Analysis showed that workers employed at TEC, K-25,
and multiple facilities had higher death rates than similar workers
employed only at X-10 and Y-12. These elevations were due to
differences among the facilities for lung cancer, leukemia, and
other lymphatic cancers.
-
Welders at Oak Ridge Facilities
Manuscript:
Wells SM, Cragle DL, Tankersley WG [Undated]. An update of
mortality among welders, including a group exposed to metal oxides.
Oak Ridge, TN: Oak Ridge Associated Universities, Oak Ridge
Institute for Science and Education, Center for Epidemiologic
Research; (DOE Contract DE-AC05-76OR00033) Unpublished. 22 pg.
Summary:
Overall mortality and all causes of death were examined among
1,211 white male welders employed at three DOE facilities in Oak
Ridge, from 1943 through 1989. A slight excess in emphysema deaths
was noted in the overall cohort, and a slight excess of deaths from
diseases of the respiratory system among workers exposed to nickel
oxides. The SMR for lung cancer in the total cohort also reached
statistical significance (SMR=1.38, CI=1.03-1.82). Elevations in
deaths due to ulcers and prostate cancer were also noted among
workers exposed to nickel oxides.
-
Lung Cancer Case-Control Study of Uranium
Workers (TEC, Y-12, Fernald, Mallinckrodt)
Manuscript:
Dupree EA, Watkins JP, Ingle JN, Wallace PW, West CM, Tankersly
WG [1995]. Uranium dust exposure and lung cancer risk in four
uranium processing operations. Epidemiology 6(4):
370-375.
Summary:
This study sought to examine the relationship between uranium
dust exposure and lung cancer mortality among workers employed in
four uranium processing or fabrication operations located in
Missouri, Ohio, and Tennessee. A total of 787 cases were
identified. Odds ratios for lung cancer mortality for seven
cumulative internal dose groups did not demonstrate increasing risk
with increasing dose. However, an exposure effect was suggested for
workers hired at age 45 years or older. Categorizing workers by
facility, and further analyses for cumulative external dose and
exposures to thorium, radium, and radon did not reveal any
statistically significant association between exposure and
increased risk.
-
Mallinckrodt Chemical Works
Manuscript:
Dupree-Ellis E, Watkins JP, Ingle JN, Phillips JA [2000].
External radiation exposure and mortality in a cohort of uranium
processing workers. Am Epidemiol 152:91-95.
Summary:
This study investigated 2,514 white males employed in a uranium
processing plant between 1942 and 1966. Through 1993, a total of
1,013 deaths were ascertained. The SMR for all causes was 0.90 (95%
CI, 0.85-0.96) and 1.05 (95% CI, 0.9 - 1.17) for all cancers.
Respiratory diseases, chronic nephritis, and lymphatic cancers were
significantly elevated. Trend test revealed a statistically
significant increase of kidney cancers with external radiation
based on 10 cases with an excess relative risk of 10.5 per Sv of
whole body exposure. The results must be considered provisional,
since external radiation exposure may be a surrogate for internal
radiation dose or chemical exposures that were not considered in
this study.
-
5 Rem Study (multiple facilities)
Manuscript:
Fry SA, Dupree EA, Sipe AH, Seiler DL, Wallace PW [1996]. A
study of mortality and morbidity among persons occupationally
exposed to >50mSv in a year: phase I, mortality through 1984.
Appl Occup Environ Hyg 11(4):334-343.
Summary:
This study investigated the mortality experience of 3,145
individuals who reportedly received 50 mSv of penetrating ionizing
radiation in any calendar year of employment (1943 through 1978) at
all facilities operated for DOE. A total of 588 deaths (19%)
occurred. The overall mortality experience of the total white male
cohort was consistent with a healthy worker effect. SMRs for all
causes of death, as well as diseases of the circulatory and
digestive systems, were significantly decreased. SMRs were elevated
for cancers of the esophagus and rectum, for lymphosarcoma, and for
benign neoplasms. However, no statistically significant differences
were found in mortality that were due to these causes or due to
cancers of any of the major organ systems.
-
Cohort Mortality Study of Workers at Fernald
Feed Materials Production Center
Feed Materials Production Center (FMPC). Fernald, 20 miles
outside Cincinnati, Ohio. January 1, 1987. Photo courtesy of
the U.S. Department of Energy.
Contractor:
Oak Ridge Associated Universities (Donna Cragle, Ph.D.)
Award Period:
1992-1997
Summary:
Mortality patterns were examined for 4,014 white males hired at
the Fernald Feed Materials Production Center between 1951 and 1981.
Vital status ascertainment through 1989 found 1,064 deaths among
this population. Exposure estimates were developed for internal
radiation, because of the potential for exposure to uranium dust
and for external ionizing radiation. Although salaried workers
showed a healthy worker effect, a significant increase for stomach
cancer deaths was found in this subcohort. Hourly workers did not
demonstrate a healthy worker effect and had excess mortality from
all cancers, lung cancer, and motor vehicle injuries. For all
workers, chronic non-malignant respiratory disease showed a
positive dose-response relationship with internal exposure. These
findings were produced without controlling for other lung
carcinogens that were likely present in the work environment, such
as radon and other chemicals.
Manuscript:
Cragle DL, Watkins JP, Ingle JN, Robertson-Demers K, Tankersley
WG, West CM [1995]. Mortality among a cohort of white male workers
at a uranium processing plant: Fernald feed materials production
center, 1951-1989. Oak Ridge, TN: Center for Epidemiologic
Research, Oak Ridge Institute for Science and Education.
Unpublished. 29 pg.
Significance:
This assessment of a previously unstudied cohort complements
Mallinckrodt studies and includes exposure assessment for both
internal and external radiation.
-
Cohort Mortality Study of Workers at Savannah
River Plant
L-Reactor Facility. L Area, Savannah River Site, South
Carolina. September 16, 1982. Photo courtesy of the U.S.
Department of Energy.
Contractor:
Oak Ridge Associated Universities (Donna Cragle, Ph.D.)
Award Period:
1992-1997
Summary:
A cohort mortality study of 9,757 white male workers at the
Savannah River site employed between 1952 and 1974 reported 1,722
deaths, with followup complete through 1986. A strong healthy
worker effect was noted in the SMR analysis, with no significant
excesses noted. However, when trend tests were performed by
external dose category, a significant positive dose-response
relation was observed for external radiation and leukemia mortality
when doses were lagged 2 years. The estimated for excess relative
risk per Sievert for leukemia mortality was 13.61, which is
consistent with the estimates derived for the Canadian (19.0 per
Sievert) and Sellafield (13.92 per Sievert) populations. A draft
final report was prepared for NIOSH in 1996.
Manuscript:
Cragle D [1998]. Mortality among workers at the Savannah River
nuclear fuels production facility. In: ASA 1998 proceedings of the
section on statistics in epidemiology. Alexandria, VA: American
Statistical Association, pp. 83-87.
Significance:
This cohort, included in the leukemia case-control study,
demonstrated a significant dose-response for leukemia. Both
internal and external radiation exposures were evaluated.
II. Los Alamos National Laboratory
The "gadget" in the Trinity Test Site tower awaiting detonation. Built
in 1945 at the Los Alamos National Laboratory. Los Alamos, New
Mexico. July 1945. Photo courtesy of the U.S. Department of Energy.
The following five studies were performed by investigators at Los Alamos
National Laboratory (principal epidemiologist: Laurie Wiggs, Ph.D.).
-
Mound Plant, Miamisburg, Ohio
Manuscript:
Reyes M, Wilkinson GS, Tietjen GL, Wiggs LD, Galke WA [1991].
Mortality among workers at the Mound facility: a preliminary
report. (DOE Contract DE91 010482) Los Alamos National Laboratory,
Los Alamos, NM, 20 pg.
Summary:
This technical report details an investigation of 4,697 white
males employed at least 30 days between 1943 and 1979. No
statistically significant elevations were found for the overall
cohort. However, SMRs for thyroid, pharyngeal, lung, and prostate
cancers were greater than 1.0. Significant elevations in lung
cancer deaths were found among polonium workers employed between
1943 and 1959. Among workers employed for less than two years
between 1943 and 1959, significant elevations were found for all
causes, lung cancer, and for all injuries.
Manuscript:
Wiggs LD, Cox-DeVore CA, Wilkinson GS, Reyes M [1991]. Mortality
among workers exposed to external ionizing radiation at a nuclear
facility in Ohio. J Occup Med 33(5): 632-637.
Summary:
This study investigated 4,182 white males employed at the Mound
facility between 1947 and 1979. No statistically significant
elevations for overall mortality or site-specific cancers were
noted. A subcohort of 3,229 workers were monitored for external
radiation. This subcohort was assessed for possible dose-response
relationships between mortality from various causes and external
exposure to ionizing radiation. No statistical differences in
mortality were observed between workers exposed to ionizing
radiation and unexposed workers. However, among workers exposed to
external radiation, a statistically significant dose-response
relationship was seen for lymphopoietic/hemotopoietic cancers and
for all leukemias.
Manuscript:
Wiggs LD, Cox-DeVore CA, Voelz GL [1991]. Mortality among a
cohort of workers monitored for 210Po Exposure: 1944-1972.
Health Phy 61(1):71-76.
Summary:
his study investigated mortality patterns among 2,181 white
males employed at the Mound facility between 1944 and 1972, years
in which polonium-210 was processed and urine monitoring was in
place. The SMR for all causes was less than 1.0. SMRs for cancers
of the thyroid, rectum, esophagus, lymphatic system, oral cavity,
and lung were elevated, though not significantly. Elevated SMRs
were seen for lung cancer among workers employed during WWII, but
not for the post-WWII group. No dose-response relationship was
noted between mortality and exposure to internal radiation.
-
Los Alamos National Laboratory
(LANL)
Manuscript:
Wiggs LD, Johnson ER, Cox-DeVore CA, Voelz GL [1991]. Mortality
through 1990 among white male workers at Los Alamos National
Laboratory: Considering exposures to plutonium and external
ionizing radiation. Health Phy 67(6): 577-588.
Summary:
A cohort mortality study was conducted of 15,727 white males
employed at LANL from 1943 to 1977. No cause of death was elevated
among this cohort. Mortality from all causes of death and all
cancers was significantly low, as was mortality from many other
cause-specific categories. SMR analyses were also conducted for a
subcohort of workers first employed during WWII. The SMRs for the
WWII subcohort indicated that mortality in this subcohort was also
low compared with the general population. No cause of death was
significantly elevated. Analyses of mortality comparing
plutonium-exposed with unexposed workers considering a 10-year
induction period also showed that no cause of death was
significantly elevated. However, dose-response relationships were
observed for cumulative dose of external ionizing radiation and
cancers of the brain/central nervous system, esophagus, and
Hodgkin's disease.
-
Rocky Flats Nuclear Weapons Plant, Golden,
Colorado
Manuscript:
Wilkinson GS, Tietjen GL, Wiggs LD, Galke WA, Acquavella JF,
Reyes M, Voelz GL, Maxweiler RJ [1987]. Mortality among plutonium
and other radiation workers at a plutonium weapons facility. Am
J Epidemiol 125(2): 231-250.
Summary:
Mortality patterns were examined for 5,413 white males employed
for at least two years at the Rocky Flats Plant from 1952 through
1979. Fewer than expected deaths were observed for all causes, all
cancers, and lung cancer. An excess of brain cancer was found for
the overall cohort. Elevated rate ratios (RRs) for all causes of
death and all lymphopoietic cancers were found, when comparing
workers with plutonium burdens of 2 nCi with those with body
burdens < 2 nCi. Increased RRs were also observed for
esophageal, stomach, colon, and prostate cancers, as well as
lymphosarcomas and reticulum cell sarcomas. When workers with 1 rem
were compared with those with < 1 rem cumulative exposure,
several elevated RRs were observed (myeloid leukemia,
lymphosarcomas and reticulum cell sarcomas, liver neoplasm, and
unspecified brain tumors). No overall dose-response relationships
were found for either plutonium or external radiation exposure.
-
Zia Company, Los Alamos, New
Mexico
Manuscript:
Galke GA, Johnson ER, Tietjen GL [1992]. Mortality in an
ethnically diverse radiation exposed occupational cohort. Los
Alamos, NM: Los Alamos National Laboratory; Unpublished. 70 pg.
Summary:
A total of 5,424 workers employed at Zia between 1946 and 1978
who were monitored for exposure to either plutonium or external
ionizing radiation were included in this retrospective cohort
mortality study. Among male workers, significantly elevated SMRs
were seen for stomach cancer, senility and ill-defined conditions,
all injuries, all incidents, and motor vehicle incidents. SMRs for
female workers were consistent with mortality rates in the general
population. Hispanic male workers, however, had significantly
higher mortality from stomach cancer, all injuries, all incidents,
and motor vehicle incidents. Non-Hispanic males had significantly
higher mortality from all causes, all cancers, lung cancer, all
circulatory diseases, and all respiratory diseases. Stratified rate
ratio (RR) analyses were conducted to test the association between
radiation exposure and mortality. No significantly high RRs were
seen in either Hispanic or non-Hispanic males in the plutonium or
external ionizing radiation analyses.
-
Plutonium Workers (Los Alamos National
Laboratory, Zia)
Manuscript:
Voelz GL, Johnson ER, Lawrence JNP [1993]. Mortality of 244 male
workers exposed to plutonium. Los Alamos, NM: Los Alamos National
Laboratory; Unpublished. 16 pg.
Summary:
This paper describes an updated mortality study of 224 male
workers exposed to plutonium at the Los Alamos National Laboratory
and Zia. Study subjects were selected by searching the Los Alamos
plutonium dosimetry records for all workers who were estimated to
have plutonium depositions over 370 Bq. Two types of mortality
analyses were performed: (1) SMRs (calculated as of 1990) based on
mortality rates of white males in the U.S. general population, and
(2) mortality RRs to compare deaths occurring in the exposed group
with those in an unexposed comparison group. The SMRs for all
malignant neoplasms were below 1.0. Only the SMR for bone cancer
was elevated (SMR=10.6, CI=0.15, 59), though this is based on only
one case. All mortality rate ratios (RRs) were calculated with a
10-year cancer induction time. The ratios for all causes of death
and all malignant neoplasms were not significantly elevated. Only
the standardized rate ratio (SRR) for digestive system cancer was
above 1.0 (SRR=1.13, CI=0.42, 3.08).
III. Hanford Environmental Health Foundation Battelle Pacific Northwest
Laboratories
Several research projects were performed jointly by investigators at the
Hanford Environmental Health Foundation(principal epidemiologist: Ellen
Omohundro, Ph.D.) and Pacific Northwest Laboratory (principal investigator:
Ethel Gilbert, Ph.D.). Hanford Environmental Health Foundation was
responsible for the collection and verification of mortality, occupational
history, and medical and personal health history data. Pacific Northwest
Laboratory gathered radiation dosimetry data and was responsible for data
integration and analysis. With the exception of the combined studies, all
the research efforts by these contractors pertained to the Hanford
Site.
-
1-3. Mortality of workers at the Hanford
Site
Manuscript:
Gilbert ES, Omohundro E, Buchanan JA, Holter NA [1993].
Mortality of workers at the Hanford Site: 1945-1986. Health
Phy 64(6):577-590.
Summary:
This study investigated mortality among contractor employees
initially employed at the Hanford site from 1944-1978. Both the SMR
for overall mortality and mortality from malignant neoplasms for
all workers were below 1.0. SMRs for diseases of the
musculoskeletal system among all workers, for cancer of the
pancreas in males not monitored for external radiation, and for all
other solid tumors in males not monitored for external radiation
were elevated, but not significantly. Comparisons of death rates by
radiation dose within the cohort showed no evidence of a
correlation for all causes of death, all cancers, or leukemia with
radiation dose. Cancer of the pancreas (p=0.07) and Hodgkin's
disease (p=0.04) showed positive correlations with radiation dose.
Rates for multiple myeloma death in this cohort continue to be
elevated, consistent with a previous report.
Manuscript:
Omohundro E, Gilbert E [1993]. An evaluation of the adequacy of
vital status follow-up in the Hanford Worker Mortality Study.
Richland, WA: Hanford Environmental Health Foundation; (DOE
Contract DE-AC06-76RLO 1830, report prepared for the National
Institute for Occupational Safety and Health/Health-Related Energy
Research Branch, Cincinnati, OH). Available from NTIS, Springfield,
VA; DE94005179, 40 pg.
Summary:
This report was designed to evaluate the completeness of vital
status ascertainment in the Hanford worker cohort. Identifying
information about 17,708 Hanford workers was submitted to Equifax
Government and Special Systems. For the period 1945-86, Equifax
ascertained only 12 new deaths. To evaluate the adequacy of the
methods used by Equifax, information about 2,254 Hanford workers
who had been previously identified as dead were also submitted.
Equifax missed less than 2% of known Hanford deaths during 1965-86,
but missed about 18% of deaths occurring before 1965. For the
period 1987-89, Equifax identified 49 new deaths. A stratified
random sample of 1,600 of the 17,708 workers with unknown vital
status was submitted to Equifax for a more extensive investigation
of followup status. Information about these workers was compared
with consumer credit databases to determine the last date these
workers were known to be alive. The results of this part of the
study indicate that if these procedures had been applied to all
workers with unknown vital status, about 90% of these workers would
have been confirmed to be alive. About 5% of the total study
population would have remained lost to followup.
-
Combined U.S. Cohorts (Hanford, Oak Ridge
National Laboratory, Rocky Flats)
Oak Ridge Graphite Reactor, code-named "X-10," produced the
world's first quantities of plutonium. Oak Ridge Graphite
Reactor Landmark, Oak Ridge National Laboratory, Tennessee.
Date not provided. Photo courtesy of the U.S. Department of
Energy.
Manuscript:
Gilbert ES, Cragle DL, Wiggs LD [1993]. Update analyses of
combined mortality data on workers at the Hanford Site, Oak Ridge
National Laboratory, and Rocky Flats Nuclear Weapons Plant.
Radiation Res 136:408-421.
Summary:
Combined analyses of mortality data for 44,943 workers from
Hanford, Oak Ridge National Laboratory, (X-10), and Rocky Flats
were undertaken to assess cancer risks associated with protracted
low-dose exposure to ionizing radiation. Of 24 cancer sites
evaluated, 12 showed positive correlations with radiation dose, and
12 showed negative correlations. Cancer of the esophagus, cancer of
the larynx, and Hodgkin's disease showed statistically significant
correlations with radiation dose, but these correlations were
likely to have resulted from bias or chance fluctuations. Evidence
of an increase in the excess relative risk with increasing age at
risk was found for all cancer in both Hanford and Oak Ridge
National Laboratory. Both populations showed significant
correlations of all cancer with radiation dose among those 75 years
and older. Although this age effect may have resulted from bias in
the data, its presence suggests that summary risk estimates for
nuclear workers be interpreted cautiously.
-
Combined International Studies (U.S., Canada,
U.K.)
Manuscript:
Cardis E, Gilbert E, Carpenter L, Howe G, Kato I, Armstrong BK,
Beral V, Cowper G, Douglas A, Fix J, Fry SA, Kaldor J, Lave C,
Salmon L, Smith PG, Voelz GL, Wiggs LD [1995]. Effects of a low
dose and low rates of external ionizing radiation: Cancer mortality
among nuclear industry workers in three countries. Radiation
Res 142:117-132.
Summary:
This paper presents the results of combined analyses of
mortality data for 95,673 workers monitored for external exposure
to ionizing radiation and employed for 6 months or longer in the
nuclear industry in the United States, the United Kingdom, and
Canada. No evidence was found of an association between radiation
dose and mortality from all causes or from all cancers. Mortality
from leukemia, excluding chronic lymphocytic leukemia, showed a
statistically significant association with cumulative external
radiation dose. Among 31 other cancer sites evaluated, a
statistically significant association with external dose was
observed only for multiple myeloma. This was attributable primarily
to the associations reported previously in the Hanford and
Sellafield cohorts. The relative risk of all cancers excluding
leukemia was 0.99, and 1.22 for leukemia excluding chronic
lymphopoietic leukemia for a cumulative protracted dose of 100 mSv
compared to 0 mSv.
-
Combined U.S. Cohorts (Hanford, Oak Ridge National
Laboratory, Rocky Flats
Manuscript:
Gilbert ES, Cragle DL, Wiggs LD [1993]. Update analyses of
combined mortality data on workers at the Hanford Site, Oak Ridge
National Laboratory, and Rocky Flats Nuclear Weapons Plant.
Radiation Res 136:408-421.
Summary:
Combined analyses of mortality data for 44,943 workers from
Hanford, Oak Ridge National Laboratory, (X-10), and Rocky Flats
were undertaken to assess cancer risks associated with protracted
low-dose exposure to ionizing radiation. Of 24 cancer sites
evaluated, 12 showed positive correlations with radiation dose, and
12 showed negative correlations. Cancer of the esophagus, cancer of
the larynx, and Hodgkin's disease showed statistically significant
correlations with radiation dose, but these correlations were
likely to have resulted from bias or chance fluctuations. Evidence
of an increase in the excess relative risk with increasing age at
risk was found for all cancer in both Hanford and Oak Ridge
National Laboratory. Both populations showed significant
correlations of all cancer with radiation dose among those 75 years
and older. Although this age effect may have resulted from bias in
the data, its presence suggests that summary risk estimates for
nuclear workers be interpreted cautiously.
-
Combined International Studies (U.S., Canada,
U.K.)
Manuscript:
Cardis E, Gilbert E, Carpenter L, Howe G, Kato I, Armstrong BK,
Beral V, Cowper G, Douglas A, Fix J, Fry SA, Kaldor J, Lave C,
Salmon L, Smith PG, Voelz GL, Wiggs LD [1995]. Effects of a low
dose and low rates of external ionizing radiation: Cancer mortality
among nuclear industry workers in three countries. Radiation Res
142:117-132.
Summary:
This paper presents the results of combined analyses of
mortality data for 95,673 workers monitored for external exposure
to ionizing radiation and employed for 6 months or longer in the
nuclear industry in the United States, the United Kingdom, and
Canada. No evidence was found of an association between radiation
dose and mortality from all causes or from all cancers. Mortality
from leukemia, excluding chronic lymphocytic leukemia, showed a
statistically significant association with cumulative external
radiation dose. Among 31 other cancer sites evaluated, a
statistically significant association with external dose was
observed only for multiple myeloma. This was attributable primarily
to the associations reported previously in the Hanford and
Sellafield cohorts. The relative risk of all cancers excluding
leukemia was 0.99, and 1.22 for leukemia excluding chronic
lymphopoietic leukemia for a cumulative protracted dose of 100 mSv
compared to 0 mSv.
|
|
|