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Ongoing Research Activity |
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Leukemia Case-Control Study
Project Officer: Mary Schubauer-Berigan, Ph.D.
Study Period: 1995-2006
Summary:
This multi-site case-control study will explore the relation between
external radiation and leukemia risk. About 250 leukemia deaths have been
identified at five DOE sites and Portsmouth Naval Shipyard when the vital
status is updated through 1996. Confounding exposures to internal
radiation, chemicals and electromagnetic fields will be evaluated for all
cases and controls.
Significance:
This is a followup to recent positive findings of leukemia and
radiation in cohort studies. It is the largest study of its kind ever
done. The study design allows control of confounders. It is a companion
to a study of multiple myeloma (hematopoietic cancer, also) conducted at
the same sites. The study includes update of vital status of Hanford and
Savannah River cohorts.
Manuscripts:
Daniels RD, Schubauer-Berigan MK [2005]. Bias and uncertainty of
penetrating photon dose measured by film dosimeters in an epidemiologic
study of US nuclear workers. Radiat Prot Dosimetry.,
113(3):275-289
NIOSHTIC-2 Abstract
Daniels RD, Lodwick CJ, Schubauer-Berigan MK, Spitz HB [2005]. "
Assessment of plutonium exposures for an Epidemiological study of US
nuclear workers", Radiat Prot Dosimetry. 2005 Aug 4; 0144-8420
NIOSHTIC-2 Abstract
Schubauer-Berigan MK, Wenzl TB. Leukemia mortality among
radiation-exposed workers. Occup Med 2001 Apr-2001 Jun 30; 16(2):271-87.
NIOSHTIC-2 Abstract
Schubauer-Berigan MK, Daniels RD, Fleming D, Markey A, Couch J,
Ahrenholz S, Burphy JL, Anderson J, Tseng C-Y [2007]. Risk of myeloid and
acute leukemia mortality following exposure to ionizing radiation among
workers at four U.S. nuclear weapons facilities and a nuclear naval
shipyard, Radiat Res, Feb; 167(2):222-232. PDF Manuscript
Anderson JL and Daniels RD [2006]. Bone marrow dose estimates from
work-related medical X-ray examinations given between 1943 and 1966 for
personnel from five U.S. nuclear facilities. Health Phys;
90(6):544-53.NIOSHTIC-2
Abstract
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Multiple Myeloma Case-Control Study at the Oak
Ridge Gaseous Diffusion Plant (K-25)
Project Officer: James Yiin, Ph.D.
Study Period: 1995-2006
Summary:
This case-control study of multiple myeloma deaths among workers at
the Oak Ridge (K-25) gaseous diffusion plant complements the multisite,
multiple myeloma study recently completed by the University of North
Carolina. Exposures to multiple sources of external and internal ionizing
radiation and chemicals are fully characterized in this study. The vital
status of the K-25 cohort is being updated through 1998.
Significance:
This is the largest single-site study of multiple myeloma. The
relatively large number of cases provides reasonable statistical power to
evaluate a dose-response relationship in the presence of multiple
exposures and potential confounders.
Manuscripts:
Anderson JL, Spitz HB, Yiin JH [2007]. Characterization of internal
exposure to enriched uranium at a former gaseous diffusion plant. Health
Phys, Dec;93(6):636-44.
NIOSHTIC-2 Abstract
Anderson JL, Spitz HB, Yiin JH [2007]. Estimating active bone marrow
dose from occupational exposure to uranium at a former gaseous diffusion
plant. Health Phys 93(2): 113-119.
NIOSHTIC-2 Abstract
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Cohort Mortality Study of Department of Energy
(DOE) Chemical Laboratory Workers
Project Officers: Travis Kubale, Ph.D.
Study Period: 1996-2006
Summary:
In limited studies of chemical laboratory workers, an increased risk
of cancer was reported. A cohort mortality study and exposure assessment
of DOE chemical laboratory workers is being conducted. The sites selected
include Savannah River and three facilities at Oak Ridge (X-10, Y-12, and
K-25). To address sample size needs, a fifth site (Hanford) is under
evaluation for inclusion. The exposures of interest include external
ionizing radiation, internal radiation, and chemicals. SMR analysis and a
dose response assessment will be conducted.
Significance:
The study addresses hazards outside the DOE complex, including
chemical and mixed exposures. The study will advance our knowledge about
cancer risks in chemical laboratory workers.
Manuscripts:
Henn SA, Utterback DF, Waters KM, Markey AM, Tankersley WG [2007].
Task- and time-dependent weighting factors in a retrospective exposure
assessment of chemical laboratory workers. J Occup Environ Hyg, Feb;
4(2):71-9.
NIOSHTIC-2 Abstract
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Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia
(CLL)
Project Officer: Sharon Silver, M.S.
Study Period: 2004-2005
Summary:
CLL is commonly assumed to be non-radiogenic due to negative findings
in studies of the atomic bomb survivors and in several large studies of
patients treated therapeutically with radiation. Thus, CLL is
currently the only cancer assigned a probability of causation of 0 under
the US Energy Employees Occupational Illness Compensation Program Act of
2000. Recently, NIOSH received a Congressional mandate to further
investigate the radiogenicity of CLL. The systematic review project
will examine the available literature, published and unpublished, to
assess the epidemiologic evidence of a relationship between ionizing
radiation and CLL. Studies of occupationally exposed workers,
including nuclear facility workers, nuclear test participants,
radiologists/radiologic technologists, as well as studies of patients
treated therapeutically with radiation, will be evaluated in the
review.
Significance:
The findings of the systematic review may have indications for
reconsideration of CLL as a compensable cancer.
Manuscripts:
Linet MS, Schubauer-Berigan MK, Weisenburger DD, Richardson DB,
Landgren O, Blair A, Silver S, Field RW, Caldwell G, Hatch M, Dores GM.
Chronic lymphocytic leukaemia: an overview of aetiology in light of
recent developments in classification and pathogenesis. Br J Haematol.
2007 Dec;139(5):672-86.
NIOSHTIC-2 Abstract
Shim YK, Silver SR, Caporaso NE, Marti GE, Middleton DC, Linet MS,
Vogt RF. B cells behaving badly. Br J Haematol. Dec 2007;139(5):658-62.
NIOSHTIC-2 Abstract
Silver SR, Hiratzka SL, Schubauer-Berigan MK, Daniels RD. Chronic
lymphocytic leukemia radiogenicity: a systematic review. Cancer Causes
Control. Dec 2007;18(10):1077-1093. Epub 2007 Aug 13. NIOSH [2005]. ].
NIOSHTIC-2 Abstract
NIOSH [2005]. Report
of Public Meeting to Seek Input on Gaps in Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia
(CLL) Radiogenicity Research Held July 21, 2004. Cincinnati, OH; U.S.
Department of Health and Human Services, Centers for Disease Control and
Prevention, National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health, DHHS
(NIOSH) Publication No. 2006-100
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Portsmouth Naval Shipyard (PNS) Lung Cancer
Case-Control Study
Project Officer: Sharon Silver, M.S.
Study Period: 1995-2005
Summary:
This nested case-control study examines the relationship between lung
cancer mortality and external exposure to ionizing radiation in civilian
workers employed between 1/1/1952 and 12/31/1992 at the Portsmouth Naval
Shipyard (PNS). Additional data has been collected for potential
confounders and effect modifiers such as asbestos and welding fume
exposures and smoking. The study findings will be submitted for
publication in the peer-reviewed scientific literature.
Significance:
The long-term impact will be to determine if there is an association
between occupational exposure to external ionizing radiation and lung
cancer among PNS workers after accounting for confounders and effect
modifiers such as sex, race, and exposure to asbestos, welding fume, and
smoking; to compare the patterns of smoking among radiation-monitored
workers and workers not monitored for radiation, where smoking data are
available.
Manuscripts:
Yiin JH, Silver SR, Daniels RD, Zaebst DD, Seel EA, and Kubale TL
[2007]. A nested case-control study of lung cancer risk and ionizing
radiation exposure at the Portsmouth Naval Shipyard. Radiat Res, Sep;
168(3):341-348
NIOSHTIC-2 Abstract
Seel E, Zaebst D, Hein M, Liu J, Nowlin S, Chen P [2007]. Inter-rater
agreement for a retrospective exposure assessment of asbestos, chromium,
nickel and welding fumes in a study of lung cancer and ionizing
radiation. Ann Occup Hyg. 2007 Oct;51(7):601-10. Epub 2007 Sep 10.
NIOSHTIC-2 Abstract
Daniels RD, Yiin J [2006]. A comparison of statistical methods for
estimation of less than detectable ionising radiation exposures. Radiat
Prot Dosimetry; 121(3):240-251. NIOSHTIC-2 Abstract
NIOSHTIC-2 Abstract
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Cohort Mortality Study of Fernald
Environmental Management Plant (FEMP)
K-65 No. 3 dust collector removal at Fernald. Fernald, Ohio. Date
unknown. Photo courtesy of the U.S. Department of Energy.
Project Officer: James Yiin, Ph.D.
Project Period: 1998-2006
Summary:
This study is updating the mortality status of Fernald workers through
1998, and expanding the cohort to include females and all races.
Additionally, NIOSH will conduct a retrospective exposure assessment for
external and internal radiation, radon, asbestos, uranium dust, and acid
mists. A previous cohort mortality study found a statistically
significant excess of lung cancer mortality among hourly workers
(SMR=1.26), and a statistically significant excess of stomach cancer
among salaried workers (SMR=2.61). Dose-response associations were seen
between lung cancer and external radiation exposure, and between
nonmalignant respiratory disease and internal exposure.
Significance:
This study is an update of a previous cohort study (increased
latency). It includes an underrepresented populations (women and nonwhite
men) and additional assessments of chemical and physical hazards (radon,
uranium dusts, asbestos, and acid mists).
Extramural Research (Grants)
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Health Effects of Occupational Exposures in
Paducah Gaseous Diffusion Plant Workers
Grantee: University of
Louisville/University of Kentucky (David J. Tollerud , MD, MPH -
University of Louisville )
Award Period: 2002-2008
Summary:
The objective of this research is to assess the impact of Paducah
Gaseous Diffusion Plant (PGDP) operations upon the health of the PGDP
workforce. The primary function of the Paducah Gaseous Diffusion Plant
(PGDP) has been to produce enriched uranium for use by commercial
reactors or as feed material for other plants that further enrich the
uranium. Workers, government officials, and the surrounding community
have raised concerns about potential health effects from current and past
exposures at the plant. The proposed studies will develop new information
to help address these concerns.
Significance:
Worker mortality studies have been conducted at the two other uranium
enrichment facilities (gaseous diffusion plants or GDPs) within
Department of Energy (DOE) . This workforce is the one remaining GDP
workforce for which a mortality study has not been conducted.
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Stochastic Models for Radiation
Carcinogenesis: Temporal Factors and Dose-Rate Effects
Grantee: Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center/University of
Washington (Suresh H. Moolgavkar , Ph.D.)
Award Period: 2002-2005
Summary:
Current radiation protection standards are based largely on the
experience of the cohort of A-bomb survivors. An important question,
however, is whether the risks estimated in a Japanese war-time population
exposed to instantaneous radiation can be transported to contemporary
western populations exposed typically to protracted radiation in the
workplace or elsewhere. Can such inconsistencies be resolved? The main
goals of these analyses are to explore the effects of various age- and
time-related factors and of protraction of exposure on the risk of
radiation carcinogenesis.
Significance:
This research will influence radiation protection standards that are
based largely on the experience of the cohort of A-bomb survivors.
Whether the risks estimated in a Japanese war-time population exposed to
instantaneous radiation can be transported to contemporary western
populations exposed typically to protracted radiation in the workplace or
elsewhere.
Manuscripts:
Hazelton WD, Moolgavkar SH, Curtis SB, Zielinski JM, Ashmore JP,
Krewski D [2006]. Biologically based analysis of lung cancer incidence in
a large Canadian occupational cohort with low-dose ionizing radiation
exposure, and comparison with Japanese atomic bomb survivors. J Toxicol
Environ Health A. Jun;69(11):1013-38.
NIOSHTIC-2 Abstract
Shin H, Ramsay T, Krewski D, Zielinski JM [2005]. The effect of
censoring on cancer risk estimates based on the Canadian National Dose
Registry of occupational radiation exposure. J Expo Anal Environ
Epidemiol. Sep;15(5):398-406.
NIOSHTIC-2 Abstract
Meza R, Luebeck EG, Moolgavkar SH [2005]. Gestational mutations and
carcinogenesis. Math Biosci Oct;197(2):188-210.
NIOSHTIC-2 Abstract
Zielinski JM, Garner MJ, Krewski D, Ashmore JP, Band PR, Fair ME,
Jiang H, Letourneau EG, Semenciw R, Sont WN [2005]. Decreases in
occupational exposure to ionizing radiation among Canadian dental
workers. J Can Dent Assoc. Jan;71(1):29-33.
NIOSHTIC-2 Abstract
Heidenreich WF, Luebeck EG, Moolgavkar SH [2004]. Effects of exposure
uncertainties in the TSCE model and application to the Colorado miners
data. Radiat Res Jan;161(1):72-81.
NIOSHTIC-2 Abstract
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Susceptibility and Occupational Radiation
Risks
Grantee: University of North Carolina (David
Richardson, Ph.D.)
Award Period: 2002-2005 ( received application for
extension)
Summary:
Epidemiological studies of U.S. nuclear weapons workers allow
evaluation of the effects of low dose, low dose rate radiation exposures
accrued in an environment of mixed radiological and non-radiological
exposures associated with the Department of Energy (DOE) weapons complex.
Researchers will investigate differences between workers in the
carcinogenic effects of exposures accrued at the Savannah River Site
(SRS). Mechanistic models of carcinogenesis suggest that initiating
exposure to some non- radiologic carcinogens may modify the effects of
subsequent ionizing radiation exposures.
Significance:
Study results for this large DOE cohort will be evaluated in relation
to observations from studies of other DOE facilities. Study data will be
compiled in a manner that will facilitate future pooled analyses. In this
way, the proposed work will substantially strengthen the available
epidemiological information about low level radiation effects in DOE
cohorts.
Manuscripts:
Richardson DB, Wing S, Wolf S [2007]. Mortality among workers at the
Savannah River Site. Am J Ind Med. 2007 Oct 4; [Epub ahead of print]
NIOSHTIC-2 Abstract
Richardson DB and Wing S [2007]. Leukemia mortality among workers at
the Savannah River Site. Am J Epidemiol. Nov 1;166(9):1015-22. Epub 2007
Jul 27.
NIOSHTIC-2 Abstract
Richardson DB [2006]. The impact on relative risk estimates of
inconsistencies between ICD-9 and ICD-10. Occup Environ Med.
Nov;63(11):734-40.
NIOSHTIC-2 Abstract
Richardson DB [2006]. Use of multiple causes of death data in cancer
mortality analyses. American Journal of Industrial Medicine. Am J Ind
Med. Aug;49(8):683-9.
NIOSHTIC-2 Abstract
Richardson DB, Wing S, Daniels RD [2006]. Evaluation of external
radiation dosimetry records at the Savannah River Site,1951-1989. J Expo
Sci Environ Epidemiol. 2006 Jun 28; [Epub ahead of print].
NIOSHTIC-2 Abstract
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Radon and Cigarette Smoking Exposure Assessment
in Fernald Workers
Grantee: University of Cincinnati (Susan Pinney,
Ph.D.)
Award Period: 1999-2002
Summary:
This study proposes to develop yearly and cumulative individual radon
exposure estimates for Fernald workers using a variety of data resources.
Exact work location for about 2,500 workers can be assigned using data
from occupational history interviews collected previously. Site
information will be used to determine work location for others. Smoking
history information from an ongoing medical surveillance program will be
extended to living workers not enrolled. Surrogate data will be collected
from family members of the deceased. Risk estimates for lung cancer will
then be calculated for the Fernald workers.
Significance:
A previous mortality study of this cohort reported a significant
excess risk of lung cancer deaths among hourly workers. Detailed
assessment of occupational radon exposure in this cohort, along with the
collection of smoking history, will improve future risk assessments.
Manuscripts:
Hornung RW, Pinney SM, Lodwick J, Killough GG, Brewer DE, Nasuta J
[2008]. Estimation of radon exposures to workers at the Fernald Feed
Materials Production Center 1952-1988. J Expo Sci Environ Epidemiol;
doi:10.1038/sj.jes.7500645 [Epub ahead of print]
NIOSHTIC-2 Abstract
Woo JG, Pinney SM [2002]. Retrospective smoking history data
collection for deceased workers: completeness and accuracy of surrogate
reports. J Occup Environ Med, 44(10):915-23.
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