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A case-control study of leukemia among petroleum workers
N Sathiakumar1, E Delzell, P Cole
1Department of Epidemiology, School of Public Health, University of Alabama at Birmingham 35294-0008, USA.
Journal of Occupational and Environmental Medicine
|November 1, 1995
Summary
Workers in oil and gas production experienced a higher risk of developing acute myelogenous leukemia. This risk increased significantly with longer durations of employment in these roles.
Area of Science:
- Occupational Health
- Epidemiology
- Environmental Health
Background:
- Leukemia is a significant health concern, and identifying occupational risk factors is crucial.
- The petroleum industry involves various potential exposures that warrant investigation for health effects.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the association between occupational exposures in the petroleum industry and the risk of leukemia.
- Specifically, to examine if work in oil and gas production or refining is linked to leukemia development.
Main Methods:
- A case-control study design was employed.
- The study included 69 leukemia cases and 284 matched controls from employees of a petroleum company.
- Work histories, focusing on production and refining roles, were analyzed.
Main Results:
- Employment in oil and gas production was associated with myelogenous leukemia (OR=2.0) and acute myelogenous leukemia (OR=2.8).
- The strongest association for acute myelogenous leukemia was observed with over 32 years of employment in oil and gas production (OR=8.7).
- A dose-response relationship was evident, with increasing duration of employment correlating with higher odds ratios (P=0.01).
Conclusions:
- This study provides the first epidemiologic evidence linking oil and gas field work to acute myelogenous leukemia.
- Occupational exposure in oil and gas production may increase the risk of developing acute myelogenous leukemia, particularly with prolonged employment.