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Proportionate mortality among union members employed at three Texas refineries
J M Dement1, L Hensley, S Kieding
1Duke University Medical Center, Durham, North Carolina, USA.
American Journal of Industrial Medicine
|March 26, 1998
Summary
This study examined mortality in oil refinery workers, finding increased risks for several cancers, including lip, stomach, liver, and leukemia. Respiratory tuberculosis and some urinary cancers showed decreased mortality.
Area of Science:
- Occupational Health
- Epidemiology
- Toxicology
Background:
- Oil refinery workers face potential occupational hazards.
- Understanding cause-specific mortality patterns is crucial for worker health surveillance.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate cause-specific mortality among male workers in three oil refineries.
- To identify elevated risks for specific cancers and other diseases.
Main Methods:
- A proportionate mortality study design was used, analyzing data from 2,985 male workers from 1940-1993.
- Analyses were stratified by race, refinery, employment status, and union membership duration.
- Proportionate Mortality Ratio (PMR) and Proportionate Cancer Mortality Ratio (PCMR) were calculated.
Main Results:
- Significantly increased PMRs were observed for cancers of the lip, stomach, liver, pancreas, connective tissues, prostate, eye, brain, benign neoplasms, and leukemia.
- Decreased mortality was noted for respiratory tuberculosis, esophageal cancer, rectal cancer, and bladder/urinary organ cancers.
- Increased skin cancer risk was linked to less than 20 years since union initiation; asbestosis and mesotheliomas were also noted.
Conclusions:
- Oil refinery work is associated with increased mortality for several specific cancers and benign neoplasms.
- Certain conditions like respiratory tuberculosis and urinary cancers showed reduced mortality.
- Findings highlight the need for continued monitoring and preventive measures in the petrochemical industry.