Epidemiological study (observational study)

Mortality of plastic-ware workers exposed to radiofrequencies epidem.

By: Lagorio S, Rossi S, Vecchia P, de Santis M, Bastianini L, Fusilli M, Ferrucci A, Desideri E, Comba P

Published in: Bioelectromagnetics 1997; 18 (6): 418-421

Aim of study (acc. to author)

The mortality in a cohort of Italian plastic ware workers exposed to radiofrequency electromagnetic fields was investigated.

Endpoint/type of risk estimation

mortality

Type of risk estimation:

mortality

(standardized mortality rate (SMR))

Exposure

- RF field
- occupational

Assessment

interview

Exposure groups

Group	Description
Reference group 1	mortality of the region
Group 2	RF-sealer operators
Group 3	other labourers
Group 4	white-collar workers

Population

Group:
- men
- women
Characteristics: Workers of a plastic-ware manufacture factory
Observation period: 1962 (or date of hire) to 1992 (or date of death)
Study location: Italy (Grossetto)
Data source: company payrolls, registry office of the municipalities of residence and death

Study size

Type	Value
Total	718

Other:

222 female and 496 male participants, total: 78 person-years at risk

Results (acc. to author)

The standardised mortality ratio (SMR) analysis was restricted to female workers who represented 78% of the total person-years at risk. Mortality form malignant neoplasms (7 deaths observed, 5.1 expected) was slightly elevated. An increased risk of leukemia (2 deaths observed, 0.3 expected) and accidents (5 deaths observed, 3.8 expected) outside the factory was detected.

Limitations (acc. to author)

The study power was very small due to the number of person-years at risk. The exposure to possible confounders such as vinyl chloride monomer or organic solvents could not be estimated.

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