Survey of reproductive hazards among oil, chemical, and atomic workers exposed to halogenated hydrocarbons
Several halogenated hydrocarbons are suspected of causing adverse reproductive effects. Because of such concerns, the Oil, Chemical, and Atomic Workers International Union surveyed the reproductive histories of two groups of workers. One group worked at plants engaged in the production or use of halogenated hydrocarbons (exposed) whereas the others had no such opportunity for exposure (nonexposed). Although a low response rate precludes firm conclusions, the 1,280 completed questionnaires provide useful data for generating hypotheses in this developing field of interest. A history of diagnosed cancer was reported more frequently among exposed workers. The infant mortality rate was also significantly elevated among the offspring of exposed workers. No risk gradient was observed for episodes of infertility, fetal loss, congenital defects, or low-birthweight offspring. Concerns with nonresponse, exposure characterization, possible confounding factors, and limited statistical power are addressed. The results provide further suggestions which help to direct studies of occupational reproductive risks.
- Research Organization:
- Univ. of Colorado School of Medicine, Denver
- OSTI ID:
- 5761653
- Journal Information:
- Am. J. Ind. Med.; (United States), Vol. 6:4
- Country of Publication:
- United States
- Language:
- English
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Related Subjects
CHEMICAL INDUSTRY
HEALTH HAZARDS
ORGANIC HALOGEN COMPOUNDS
GENETIC EFFECTS
CONGENITAL DISEASES
NEOPLASMS
OCCUPATIONAL DISEASES
OCCUPATIONAL EXPOSURE
PERSONNEL
PREGNANCY
PROGENY
REPRODUCTION
RISK ASSESSMENT
SURVEYS
BIOLOGICAL EFFECTS
DISEASES
HAZARDS
INDUSTRY
ORGANIC COMPOUNDS
560306* - Chemicals Metabolism & Toxicology- Man- (-1987)