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U.S. Department of Energy
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Cancer mortality among petroleum-solvent-exposed Oklahoma dry cleaners

Thesis/Dissertation ·
OSTI ID:5400443
This study assesses the solvent specific influence on the proportionate mortality occurring among white males with exposures to petroleum solvents, averaging 10.5 years, and were without known exposure to synthetic solvents. No excess in overall cancer mortality, or in any major noncancer cause of death was found. The proportionate mortality ration (PMR) for All malignant neoplasms was 1.04 and was independent of latency and years of exposure. No excess in overall cancer deaths was found to occur in cohort members dying before age 65. A significant excess in respiratory system cancer was detected, with all excesses occurring among those who died at age 65 and older. No relationship was noted to years of latency or years of exposure. A PMR of 1.96 for pancreatic cancer was noted with three of nine deaths occurring among men younger than age 65. Consistent elevations if PMRs were seen for all categories of duration of exposure greater than 5-9 years. No pancreatic cancer deaths occurred with less than 20 years of latency. Excesses found for kidney cancer among the entire cohort were lost when only petroleum solvent exposed white males were analyzed. The power to detect an excess or deficit in overall or site-specific cancer deaths was adequate at relative risk of four or less for most cancer sites of interest.
Research Organization:
Oklahoma Univ., Oklahoma City, OK (USA). Health Sciences Center
OSTI ID:
5400443
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English