The View-Master Health Study Focus Groups.

Area of Science:

• Environmental Health
• Occupational Health
• Toxicology

Background:

• Trichloroethylene (TCE) is a common groundwater contaminant with strengthened evidence of carcinogenic risk and health hazards.
• High levels of TCE were detected at an Oregon work site in 1998, necessitating further investigation into worker exposure.
• Concerns regarding occupational exposure to TCE highlight the need for improved exposure assessment methods.

Purpose of the Study:

• To gather qualitative data from former workers regarding their experiences with TCE exposure.
• To understand workers' perceptions of safety procedures, medical record access, and proxy accuracy.
• To inform the development of an exposure assessment interview tool for TCE-contaminated work sites.

Main Methods:

• Qualitative content analysis of focus group discussions with 13 former workers from an Oregon site.
• Exploration of plant processes, safety protocols, and worker attitudes towards health information.
• Assessment of preferred sources for proxy exposure information and opinions on medical record accessibility.

Main Results:

• Workers reported limited recall of safety policies, training, or support for safety controls.
• Co-workers and family members were identified as preferred sources for proxy exposure information.
• Workers generally supported granting access to their medical records.
• Job mobility underscored the need for job or task-based exposure matrices.

Conclusions:

• Former workers' experiences highlight gaps in occupational safety communication and training related to TCE exposure.
• Worker input is valuable for developing effective exposure assessment tools, emphasizing the utility of proxy information and medical record access.
• Findings will guide the creation of a more accurate and worker-centered exposure assessment interview tool for similar occupational settings.