Related Experiment Videos
[Causes of death of COGEMA active workers, 1980-1995]
M Valenty1, M Tirmarche, N Mitton
1Laboratoire d'Epidémiologie, IRSN, BP 17, 92262 Fontenay-aux-Roses. madeline.valenty@irsn.fr
Background:
Populations exposed to risks at work show a deficit in deaths in comparison with the national population, the "healthy worker effect". This effect has been observed among former nuclear workers. The aim of our cross-sectional study was to evaluate the mortality in a metallurgy worker population, and to study the impact of the choice of the reference population on the estimation of the Standardized Mortality Ratio (SMR).
Methods:
The studied population was the COGEMA Metallurgy Department workers, aged 25 years to 64, during the period 1980-1995 in two regions of France (North--La Hague; South--Cadarache, Marcoule, Miramas and Pierrelatte). In order to account for geographical variability and the difference in mortality between the working population and the non-working population, we used several reference populations: national population, regional population, "working" national population (farmers not present in COGEMA and non-workers excluded), and "working" regional population.
Results:
All SMRs were increased when we used a "working" regional reference compared with the national reference population. Among men, eight pathologies presented a significant deficit with a national reference, whereas only two pathologies showed a deficit with the "working" regional reference.
Conclusion:
The use of a reference population close to the study population enabled us to reduce the Healthy Worker Effect among metallurgy workers at COGEMA plants.
Related Concept Videos
Overview of Cell Death
Cell death was observed in the early 19th century, but there was no experimental evidence to prove it. In 1842, Carl Vogt first discovered cell death in a metamorphic toad; however, it was not termed ‘cell death.’ Scientists discovered different cell death pathways only in the 20th century...
Drug Toxicity: Risk factors
Cellular Injury IlI: Cellular Death
Inhalation Anthrax
Cellular Injury IV: Necrosis
Burn Injuries
The damage results in the death of skin cells, which can lead to a massive loss of fluid. Dehydration, electrolyte imbalance, and renal and circulatory failure follow, which can be fatal. Burn patients are treated with intravenous fluids to offset...