High-risk notification of chromate and bichromate production workers

Am J Ind Med. 1993 Jan;23(1):125-34. doi: 10.1002/ajim.4700230118.

Abstract

A high-risk notification program is in progress for 4,862 former chromate and bichromate production workers. A previous mortality study of this cohort found a 29-fold increase in mortality for respiratory cancer. The increase was greater in black than white workers (80-fold vs. 15-fold). The cohort was compiled from Social Security Administration records. Notification was performed mainly using addresses on file with the Internal Revenue Service. At this time, 68% of the cohort has either been determined to have died or has been contacted. A description of the various steps of notification is included. This project has demonstrated that it is possible to perform high-risk notification in an economical manner even in the absence of employer personnel records or current addresses. The methodology used in this project is generalizable to other cohorts.

Publication types

  • Research Support, U.S. Gov't, P.H.S.

MeSH terms

  • Chemical Industry*
  • Chromates / adverse effects*
  • Communication*
  • Female
  • Follow-Up Studies
  • Humans
  • Lung Neoplasms / epidemiology
  • Male
  • New Jersey / epidemiology
  • Occupational Diseases / chemically induced
  • Occupational Diseases / epidemiology*
  • Texas / epidemiology

Substances

  • Chromates